Must Meet Cecil returns to action with a victory Must Meet Cecil hadn't been seen since November 2023, but was produced in fine fettle to land the claiming hurdle over an extended two-miles at Tramore. The 4/1 shot came through under Tiernan Power Roche with 5/2 favourite Darkened after two out and a better jump at the last enabled him to see off that rival by half a length. Noel Kelly saddled the runner-up and third-placed Gamigin (9/1) who was a further three lengths away. Cian Collins said of the seven-year-old gelding: "That was grand, it's nice to get him back. He's been off a while with an injury and we've given him plenty of time. "He did it well and think he'll come on from it, hopefully he'll improve a bit. "That's his third claiming hurdle win and if we hang on to him, it would be great. "Hopefully, he'll be okay tomorrow after this." The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference after the final hurdle involving Must Meet Cecil, ridden by T. Power Roche, placed first, and Darkened, ridden by D.J Gilligan, placed second, where it appeared interference had occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D.J. Gilligan stated that he was carried across the track after the last hurdle and felt he did not get a fair chance to pass the winner. T. Power Roche stated that his horse had drifted left after the last hurdle and was idling but felt he was always holding the runner up. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Must Meet Cecil had caused interference to Darkened in that he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings. They were, however, of the opinion that T. Power Roche, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (third offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for eight racedays. Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
