Ya Ya Baby (Sean O'Keeffe) leads Clever Currency (Denis O'Regan) home© Photo Healy Racing
Ya Ya Baby (5/4 into 10/11 favourite) got the job done nicely for Jessica Harrington and Sean O’Keeffe in the Dermot Casey Tree Care Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
Mrs Harrington was on the mark at the Mallow venue yesterday on the Flat with Aesop, and here Ya Ya Baby, already a winner herself on the level, shed her jumps maiden tag at the third time of asking.
Runner-up, the 125/1 chance Clever Currency ran a big race, but the successful Flyers Syndicate-owned filly was holding all the aces from the back of the last for a two length win.
"She had a nice run the last day and probably learned plenty from it. Today it showed as she was very good racing down over the last three hurdles for me and I was always happy on her. When I gave her a squeeze she picked up and went away well,” said O’Keeffe.
"She is an improving mare and she'll have a nice future over hurdles. The drying ground helped her as coming off the flat she does like that ground. There'll be plenty of fun to be had with her."
The Stewards wished to enquire into the running and riding of Buto (GB), ridden by C.D. Walsh, and trained by John C. McConnell. However, as the trainer was not present nor had he an authorised representative present to act on his behalf as required under the provisions of Rule 147(v), the Stewards referred the matter to the Refferals Committee for consideration. Buto(GB) was subsequently examined by the I.H.R.B Veterinary Officer at the request of the Stewards and found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.
A representative of John C. McConnell, trainer of Buto (GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that the animal gurgled half way down down the back straight.
(TW & EM)
