There was a controversial outcome to the three runner Budweiser Race at Roscommon, where Masandam was awarded the spoils in the stewards room.
This ten furlongs event was run at virtually walking pace for the first half mile, and this may have contributed to the bit going through the mouth of Rapid Ransom giving rider Declan McDonogh steering problems on the bends.
The race only developed inside the final quarter mile and, with evens favourite Masandam looming alongside, McDonogh decided to switch the whip to his right hand. A few cracks resulted in Kevin Prendergast's charge edging left towards her rival as she battled back to score by a head.
However to the surprise of most, and the disgust of Prendergast, the placings were reversed by the stewards. Intimidation was the reason given, although this seemed a bit harsh with daylight clearly visible between the pair at all times. 'That was a ridiculous decision, and of course we will be appealing,' said the Curragh trainer afterwards.
Prendergast and McDonogh had better fortune half-an-hour later when successful with Miss Trish in the median auction fillies maiden. The daughter of Danetime quickened past the front-running Flavian Dynasty at the furlong pole, and held on by three quarters of a length from Knock Abbey Castle. 'We will stick her in a handicap and see what mark she gets,' said Prendergast.
The Galway Hurdle is the target for Liscahill Hill after the 12-year-old gelding made all in the two miles handicap hurdle, and rallied under pressure to deny Larkhill Jo and Hill Port by half a length and a neck. 'He'd jump small houses, and I love him to bits,' said trainer Mark Loughnane, who has a mixed stable of 25 horses near Thurles.
Janidou and Say Again totally dominated the market for the two miles novice chase, and a cracking finish was in prospect as the pair approached the last. However the latter gave John Cullen a heavy fall when failing to take off at that fence, leaving Janidou to cruise home. 'If the other fellow had pinged the last I would have been in trouble,' commented winning rider Conor O'Dwyer.
J P McManus' colours were again carried to success in the two miles winners hurdle, with Puck Out confidently ridden by David Casey to lead on the run-in for a half length verdict over Carolina. 'David did well as he didn't want to get there too soon, and we'll try to find something similar for him,' said McManus' racing manager Frank Berry.
The photo-finish equipment proved vital in sorting out the seven furlongs handicap, with just three short-head's separating the first four home as Jemmy John got up on the line under Pat Cosgrave.
Alan Magee
