O'Brien outsider wins Ballinrobe opener Pronounced led home a 1,2 for Joseph O'Brien in the opener at Ballinrobe this evening, the JJ Burke Peugeot 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle. O'Brien saddled three in this two mile one furlong contest, with his Richard Strauss (evens-fav) and Thomas O'Malley (2/1) dominating the betting. Pronounced, who failed to win in sixteen starts on the level, was available at 14s this morning, touching 10s on-course before going off a 9/1 chance. Settled towards rear by Jody McGarvey, the son of Power made a mistake at the first, and had just one rival behind him with a circuit to race. He was pushed along in sixth after two out, and soon made good progress on the outer. He was ridden to lead after the final flight, and kept on well to score by five lengths. The aforementioned Thomas O'Malley, who wasn't fluent over the last, filled the runner-up spot under JJ Slevin, while 40/1 chance Masterstonemason was another length and a half back in third for Flan Costello and Rachael Blackmore. The favourite Richard Strauss was pushed along from three out, and eventually finished a disappointing seventh with Shane Shortall aboard. "He surprised me because he had a low enough level on the Flat. He had a bit to find with a few horses there on Flat ratings," said McGarvey. "They went quick early and they stopped before the turn in. I took my time and it's probably paid off with him. "I'd say if you look back on the form of it in a few months it'll be weak enough." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Stewards fined Sabrina J. Harty, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Sonic Wind, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order. * D.E. Splaine, rider of Nobleman (GER) trained by Eamon Courtney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped soon after entering the back straight on the final circuit. * The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Richard Strauss, trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing very hard post race and to have pulled his left hind shoe. * The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Hugh Hynes, that A.E. Lynch, rider of Sonic Wind, had weighed in at 1.1lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he had a small drink after weighing out and that he had done the weight comfortably. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that A.E. Lynch was in breach of Rule 231 and having taken his good previous record into consideration, cautioned him. * The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter, J.R. Banahan, that M.J. Bolger, rider of Little Princess (GER) had anticipated the start and disobeyed his instructions which led to a false start being called. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that M.J. Bolger was in breach of Rule 208 by failing to obey the Starters instructions and therefore suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous record into consideration. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
