Matilda puts first victory on the board close to home

Castlelyons handler Rodger Sweeney struck at his local track in division two of the

Follow Us On Twitter Handicap at Cork with 3/1 favourite Matilda With Me

Shedding her maiden tag at the 13th time of asking, Matilda With Me was building on her most recent form figures of ‘322.’

The successful daughter of Morpheus seems to have come forward for the use of cheek-pieces and here Leigh Roche brought her through from mid-division, into fourth two furlongs out.

Ridden to lead a furlong out the well-supported market-leader kept on well in the final furlong to defeat Anfaass by a length and a quarter.

"That was a good run and she loved that ground. With a bit of luck she might win something similar,” said Sweeney.

"She is mad for hurdles but I'll leave her that way (on the flat) at the moment."

The Stewards interviewed G.P. Halpin, rider of Ellaat (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence G.P. Halpin stated that he gave his mount a flick in the backhand on turning in as a corrective measure to stop it hanging. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that G.P. Halpin was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards severely cautioned G.P. Halpin on this occasion.

J.M. Sheridan, rider of Malbas (GB) trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got no run in the straight.

G.P. Halpin, rider of Ellaat (GB) trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left turning into the straight.

J.A. Powell, rider of Thekeyisnottopanic trained by C.W.J. Farrell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount started keen and his reins were slippery.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Malbas (GB), trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have coughed once but was otherwise post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ellaat (GB), trained by Noel C. Kelly, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)