Torquay and Conor McNamara© Photo Healy Racing
There was a strong move in early markets for Torquay for the first split of the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Twitter Handicap Hurdle. She delivered for the local father and son team of Eric and Conor McNamara.
After tumbling in odds from around 10s into 7/2 earlier, the successful daughter of Aqlaam eventually went off a 5/1 chance and she got a lovely ride from the front from the 7Ib claimer.
When he asked she delivered at the hurdles, though the John Donald-owned six-year-old wasn't so fluent at the last and was ultimately holding on close home. Favourite Allduckornodinner kept at it on the run-in but he was never really going to bridge the gap to deserved victor Torquay and a length and three parts split them.
"We wanted to be in the first two all the way and I said if he ended up in front not to be afraid to make the running. We were hoping we had the best horse in the race and we planned to stay out of trouble and once she has light she tends to jump better," said McNamara senior.
"She loves good ground and would also rattle off firm ground. Hopefully if the handicapper isn't too hard on her she might follow up with another one.
"Conor is doing fine and is getting opportunities and rides well."
D.N. Russell, rider of Darling Miss trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Darling Miss, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Stewards interviewed R.P. Treacy, rider of Too Much To Ask concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that R.P. Treacy was in breach of Regulation 10.3(i), in that he failed to give his mount time to respond to the whip. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned R.P. Treacy.
(TW & EM)
