Knockraha Pylon (left, blunders) as Sonny B and Brian O'Connell go on for the win© Photo Healy Racing
After a tremendous day at Limerick yesterday when the yard registered a 363/1 treble, followers of John Joe Walsh were in clover at Cork again today when Sonny B (4/1) ran out a silky smooth winner of the Bet Now On Every Cheltenham Race At Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle.
Three of them shaped as likely winners during this three mile heat, including front-running favouite Dallas Cowboy bidding to credit Gordon Elliott with a double.
However he was headed before three out and then Knockraha Pylon looked the one.
The eye wasn't long about shifting to the Brian O'Connell-ridden Sonny B though, as he arrived there cruising.
Knockraha Pylon was headed when making a mistake at the last and Sonny B then went away to prevail by five lengths.
There was twenty seven lengths back to the aforementioned Dallas Cowboy in third.
"He loves that soft ground and while chasing is his game, it took us a long time to get him right. He might have another run over hurdles if he's not punished too hard," commented Walsh.
"Hopefully he'll be alright in the morning, he's a good stayer and long-term, a race like the Cork National would be something to aim for."
The Stewards interviewed J.B. Kane, rider of Raz De Maree (FR), 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 J.B. Kane was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 5 racedays.
(TW & EM)
