Princess just gains the day

There was a pretty gripping conclusion to the Dundalk Racecourse Of The Year Handicap for backers and connections of the first four home as just a head, a short head and a nose separated them. The Colin Keane-ridden Princess Tamay (10/1) was the one that came out on top.

Having her second start for Tom McCourt having finished fifth of seven as a 125/1 shot in a decent Navan maiden just last Saturday, the Tamayuz filly, racing in the familiar Foran silks, was noted going well from before the straight.

In the last furlong when in front along the rail she held them all off. Pat Smullen (picked up a 2 day careless riding ban) struggled to get a proper clear run on Hellenistic and there were a couple impeded late. A steward's enquiry was called.

In the end the judge's placings remained unaltered with Meihua second, the aforementioned Hellenistic third and Share A Secret fourth.

McCourt said: "I thought she was entitled to take a bit of beating after her run on Saturday.

"I thought she ran very well and she probably shouldn't have been running in the race but I wanted to see if she handled soft ground.

"Peter Casey trained the dam and that's why I bought her because I thought she'd handle soft ground. The dam loved soft.

"She's a nice filly but she's a bit light. Hopefully a couple of pounds (of a rise from the handicapper) will do her."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final furlong involving Hellenistic (USA), ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed third, Jackie Ellis ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced, Tom Dooley ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed fifth, Meihua, ridden by F.M. Berry, placed second and Princess Tamay, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed first.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judges placings, however they were of the opinion that P.J. Smullen was in breach of Rule 214, having ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard, suspended him for two race days.(GC & EM)