Demoted Kokura passes the post ahead of eventual winner Mr Mooj© Photo Healy Racing
There was an amended result to the Valentine's Weekend Special Maiden at Dundalk today as first-past-the-post Kokura under Shane Kelly, was demoted to second behind the Joseph O'Brien trained eventual winner Mr Mooj under Declan McDonogh, in a clear-cut interference case.
Kokura was ridden to lead passing the two furlongs pole but soon veered left, carrying closest pursuer Mr Mooj (8/11f) to the inside railing.
Jockey Kelly failed to correct or straighten his mount Kokura inside the final furlong as the pair leaned badly against Mr Mooj, whose jockey Declan McDonogh was left hopelessly short of room close home and was thus unable to fully extend his mount to the line.
Half a length separated the pair at the line and the Stewards later reversed the placings, thus providing trainer Joseph O'Brien and jockey McDonogh with the second leg of doubles, having combined to win the half-hour earlier maiden with Annie B
Following the amended result, O'Brien's assistant Brendan Powell said “he's a progressive horse and he ran a good race the first time here.
“He would have been an unlucky loser if he hadn't got it. It was tough on him, especially for a maiden on his second start on the track.
“He's a genuine little horse and he'll win plenty of races. He'll be a good fun horse.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
