Nikita Kane rides first winner on Lord Rapscallion at Bellewstown Nikita Kane rode her first winner when Lord Rapscallion defied top-weight in the Tara Stud Handicap at Bellewstown. It continues to be a profitable exercise following the Johnny Murtagh horses and he saddled his 15th winner of the 2020 turf campaign as one grey beat another, Lord Rapscallion defeating Sirjack Thomas by a length and a quarter. Yet another grey, Mary Salome, finished back in fourth, and she was checked by the winner a furlong out. Lord Rapscallion chased the leaders on the outer, and he made headway to lead travelling well two furlongs out. Ridden and edging left a furlong out, the 5/1 victor (from 6s) had a reduced advantage inside the final furlong, but he kept on under hands and heels close home to gain the day. Kane had gone close on Trueba for Murtagh at Gowran recently. A gamble on Beckwith Place (9/2 from 13/2 on track, and from much bigger earlier) failed to hit the target as he could manage only fifth. The winning rider explained: "I've had a horsey background but it's been with hunters and Connemara ponies. "Then I tried pony racing. I was in Shane Broderick's for a summer and I really enjoyed it and he recommended R.A.C.E. "I was there in 2016/17 before going out to Adrian Keatley. I got my licence with him and I'm grateful for everything he did for me. "I went to Johnny two years ago. He signed me on and I'm very grateful to him and it's great working for him. "I have to thank the owners as well for letting me ride Lord Rapscallion twice. "Johnny is a great boss. It's such a good yard to work in - it's like a family. "Everybody is always happy, chatting the whole time, there's no down spirits. "We're always keeping positive and trying to put that across on to the horses. If we're happy the horses are happy. We're getting good results. "Johnny is very fair with all of his apprentices. He gives everybody a chance. If you give it your all he'll give you everything then back." The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Lord Rapscallion, ridden by Nikita Amelia Kane, placed first and Mary Salome, ridden by L.F. Roche, placed fourth, where it appeared Mary Salome ran short of room and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found Nikita Amelia Kane in breach of Rule 214, in that she had ridden carelessly and having considered Nikita Amelia Kane's record in this regard the Stewards suspended her for two racedays. A.J. Slattery, rider of Beckwith Place trained by Tracey Collins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that he dropped one rein. L.F. Roche, rider of Mary Salome trained by Madeleine Tylicki, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered half a furlong out. S.M. Crosse, rider of She's A Babe trained by Aidan F. Fogarty, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left from the road. S. Foley, rider of Man Power trained by Jane M. Foley, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got no run in the straight. (GC & EM)
