Pinar Del Rio gets Conlon off the mark “I’m delighted, over the moon. I’ve had my licence a while and been a bit unlucky with seconds and third — that’s my first winner," explained Joe Conlon after favourite Pinar Del Rio delivered convincingly in the concluding Holden Plant Rentals Handicap at the Curragh. In the colours of his mother Kathleen, Ronan Whelan always appeared to be sitting pretty on the pace aboard 100/30 chance Pinar Del Rio. When asked inside the last the Havana Gold gelding went on to defeat The Bear Trap by a length and three parts. “I’m just a few minutes down the road in Joe Canty’s yard," elaborated Conlon at the number one spot. “I worked for Jim Bolger for two years and was also with Willie McCreery for two years so a big thanks to them. “This horse has plenty of ability but is a bit of a rogue. On a good day he’s a grand horse. “Ronan gave him a great ride and he’s owned by his mother.” S. Foley, rider of Run Forrest Run, trained by Micky Fenton, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled a shoe. W.J. Lee, rider of Loma Larnee (GB), trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount refused to race. Adam Caffrey, rider of Half Nutz, trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mounts bit broke. The Raceday Stewards interviewed A. Oliver, trainer, in relation to the behaviour of Loma Larnee who stood in the stalls and refused to race. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who stated that his charge shows plenty of ability and although it had a previous warning for refusing to race, the animal had since raced without any difficulty. Furthermore, the trainer asked for a final opportunity to address the issue. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards took no further action on this occasion other than to advise the trainer that a repeat performance in the behaviour of his charge will render the animal liable to suspension. (AM & EM)
