Nolan puts two on the board at Gowran Paul Nolan completed a Gowran brace when Wild Desire (20/1) came out on top in the Whitfield Orthopaedic & Sports Injury Clinic Handicap Hurdle (division one) under Dylan Robinson. There was an horrific looking incident when Ask David slipped up on the flat before two out. Thankfully, his jockey Martin Burke was reported to be relatively okay in the aftermath. Wild Desire added to the earlier Nolan gains with Chisholm Trail (Paul Townend) in the opener, beating Oakmont by a head. Said Nolan: "It was her last chance. We said we'd ride her a bit different today and try and settle her, dropping back to the minimum trip. "She had her day today and it's job done. That win is worth more than a million to her owners (the Ratpack Partnership)." A.E. Lynch, rider of Clementina (FR) trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered and eased thereafter. D.E. Mullins, rider of Balofilo (GB) trained by Ms Margaret Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground and he felt it was too firm for his mount. P.T. Enright, rider of Shedding trained by W.J. Burke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost its action and was pulled up thereafter. The Stewards requested a report from Paul Nolan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Wild Desire, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge had ran free in the past when wearing blinkers and felt their omission on this occasion, had helped his charge settle better and bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered. The Stewards enquired into the fall on the flat of Ask David, ridden by M.P. Burke, on the approach to the second last. The Stewards were unable to interview M.P. Burke as he was receiving medical attention, but considered evidence from a number of riders who rode in the race and also viewed a recording of the incident. Having considered all the evidence, they were satisfied that the incident was caused by M.P. Burke's mount accidently clipping a heel and took no further action. Miss Amanda Mooney, trainer of Hernandoshideaway (GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge was distressed post race. (DM & EM)
