Hurler And Farmer jumps the last ahead of Snowell (winner) and Cordelia Belle© Photo Healy Racing
When the gambled on Hurler And Famer got the last wrong in the St Patrick's Day Novice Handicap Hurdle at Wexford it opened the door and Snowell and Johnny Burke didn't need a second invite as they got up to prevail by a head.
There was only a head back to the third too – Henry De Bromhead's representative Cordelia Belle
Snowell was winning his third on the bounce and of course he comes from the very much in form yard of Liz Doyle who said: "If you asked me at the beginning of the season who is the least likely of my horses to win three in-a-row, I would have said him.
"He is just getting the hang of racing now though, and he was late coming into training.
"Johnny was brave at the last and so was the little horse. I wasn't very confident coming here today, as this was a better race than the two he won before.
"Johnny is excellent, and he was telling me that is his first win against the pros."
The Stewards interviewed J.L. Cullen, rider, in relation to the fact that he attempted to weigh in without a stirrup iron and leather following this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that this was the case and apologised for his actions. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 272 and having taken his previous record in this regard into account, they suspended him for one race day and severely cautioned him as to his future conduct in this regard.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Seamus Mor at the request of trainer, Colin Kidd, and reported the animal to have burst a blood vessel in running.
(DM & EM)
