O'Brien praises Splaine after Springs breaks maiden on 18th attempt David Splaine got himself off the cold jockeys list when winning the Sponsorship Packages At Tramore Racecourse Beginners Chase on Veneziano Springs (4/1). Buoyed by an encouraging return to action for stable star Articulum (2nd at Punchestown on Sunday) trainer Terence O’Brien had some confidence in Veneziano Springs. Off a 129 day break the French-bred duly delivered. Soon to the fore, the William Horgan-owned six-year-old eventually battled off his fellow County Cork hope Cowboy Des Long by three parts of a length. Crazyheart was two and a quarter lengths off in third and favourite Mindsmadeup was twenty one lengths behind in fourth. "He wasn't winning out of turn. It was the ideal race for him to be honest. If I entered him in a handicap he would probably have a mark of 120 over fences, so I was trying to win one of these," said O'Brien. "He is hard to get right, but he could be a good horse in time. I'm not sure where we will go with him now. He is well-handicapped over hurdles, so he might go for a handicap hurdle the next day." On Splaine meanwhile O'Brien added: "I'm delighted for David too. He got knocked out in my place after getting a kick from a horse when schooling. That happened in April and he was out until November (fractured tibia and fibula). In fairness to him he keeps his head down and works away. He is a great fella to have around the yard." The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Frankiefiveangels, trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. S.W. Flanagan, rider of Frankiefiveangels trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled. (DM & EM)
