Two Shoe Tom (nearest) comes through to head Ena Baie© Photo Healy Racing
Two Shoe Tom came from off the pace to take the feature at Ballinrobe this evening, the Monroe's Live John Monroe Memorial Mares' Handicap Hurdle.
A faller when favourite on her most recent start over fences at Kilbeggan, the Dermot McLoughlin trained eight-year-old was sent off a 9/1 chance this evening.
Settled towards rear by Conor Maxwell, she was sixth three out but took closer order in fourth after the next.
Ridden in third before the last, the Westerner bay really got motoring from the furlong pole and swept through to lead inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths. Ena Baie (9/2) hit the front short after two out but she tired in the closing stages and ultimately had to settle for second under Charlie O'Dwyer for his father Conor. Hidden Land (3/1f), who raced in second, faded from the second last and eventually came home in fourth.
"Conor said there was going to be plenty of pace and we said we'd drop her in because she won for us before ridden like that," McLoughlin said.
"From the back of the second last he said they were coming back to her and he thought she'd stay well and he just timed it right.
"They went a good gallop and the race worked out in her favour. It's a big help when these things go to plan.
"The drop of rain helped her and meant that a few of the others got tired quickly. She kept going to the line well. She hits the ground hard enough so that bit of juice in the ground is ideal for her."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gjoumi (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Nodoubtaboutthat trained by Shane Crawley, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Stewards interviewed C.D. Maxwell, rider of Two Shoe Tom, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, C.D. Maxwell admitted that he had exceeded the limit allowed for the use of the whip under the whip guidelines but explained that the first few hits were applied to stop his mount rolling off the final bend before the roadway. He added that he took a fresh hold and his mount ran straight to the finish. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that C.D. Maxwell was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency and R10(3)(i) by using his whip without allowing his mount at least three strides to respond. Having taken his clean previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended C.D. Maxwell for one raceday.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
