Penny drops with Elite Des Mottes The drop back in trip to two miles one furlong worked the oracle for Elite Des Mottes in the second race at Killarney. She contested this handicap hurdle after a good stint over further since June. The Network mare travelled into contention three out and came through to lead at the next. She was soon ridden by Richie Deegan but was less than tidy at the last opening the door to General Clermont. Elite Des Mottes (9/2) then came across 3/1 favourite General Clermont on the run-in, however, she was a length and three parts in front at the line. There was a 12-length gap back to Floating Around at 40/1. The stewards enquired into the aforementioned incident on the run-in but the result stood. This was Elite Des Mottes' breakthrough victory on her 13th start. "She is a gorgeous Network filly and it took a while for the penny to drop, she was quite childish about racing, but in fairness to her owner Sean Maguire he showed loads of patience," said trainer Eoin McCarthy. "Now that she is learning her job, she could be a nice filly going forward. "She is lovely big and scopey, and should also jump a fence." The Stewards enquired into possible interference from the last hurdle to the wining post, involving General Clermont (FR), ridden by J.C. Gainford, placed second and Elite Des Mottes (FR), ridden by R. Deegan, placed first, where it appeared that Elite Des Mottes drifted towards the rail causing interference to General Clermont. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.C. Gainford, stated that his mount was carried towards the rail after the last hurdle and had to check off heels. He further stated that although he suffered interference, it was close to the line and strongly felt that this interference had not cost him the race. R. Deegan, stated his mount had jumped the second last out to his right and idled before drifting towards the inside rail, but was satisfied that he won the race comfortably. He further accepted that he had allowed his mount to drift left uncorrected for ten strides under a strong right hand drive and apologised for this. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that while Elite Des Mottes had caused interference to General Clermont, it did not warrant an alteration to the Judge's placings. They were, however, satisfied that R. Deegan was in breach of Rule 214(careless riding) and having considered his clean record they suspended him for 5 racedays. Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
