Statistical just leads Ri An Rian over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Liz Doyle recorded her first winner since April, as her Ri An Rian (King Of Kings in English) got the better of Statistical in the first divide of the Colour Run At Tipperary Racecourse August 10th Beginners Chase.
Without a win in eleven previous starts, the son of Arcadio was beaten a length and a half into second on his penultimate outing at Downpatrick.
He since disappointed at Tramore, but still came in for good support today, going off a 4/1 chance, having been available at 8s in early shows.
Settled in mid-division by Sean Flanagan, he wasn't fluent at the second and received reminders.
He took closer order from three out, and had a good battle with Statistical from the second last, with just half a length separating them at the line.
The runner-up was returned the 3/1 favourite, after attempting to make all under Rachael Blackmore for Henry de Bromhead.
The front pair went thirteen lengths clear of Just A Normal Day (12/1) in third.
Doyle said: "That's a lot of work culminating in waiting for a bad race, and we hung on to him for a month for this. He is rated 100 and I didn't want to run him over hurdles so had to keep him qualified for this, so it's good.
"He jumps great and is a little reluctant as you've seen but it's great to get his head in front because he is the anti-racehorse unfortunately and doesn't really want to do it!
"He has a nice bit of ability for this time of year if he puts his mind to it and is home-bred by the owners as well so that is important too.
"His jumping kept him in it and to be fair he has run a lot of good races."
STEWARDS REPORTS
M.A. Enright, rider of Galveston trained by Thomas Foley, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout and he pulled up.
R.P. Treacy, rider of Rudy Catrail trained by E.Sheehy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Rudy Catrail trained by E.Sheehy was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
The Stewards interviewed Rachael Blackmore, rider of Statistical, concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Rachael Blackmore was in breach of Regulation 10(4) by failing to give her mount time to respond to the whip. Having taken her previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Rachael Blackmore for 3 racedays.
The Stewards requested a report from Miss Elizabeth Doyle, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Ri An Rian, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Miss Doyle reported that her charge got very upset travelling to Tramore last time out and was wound up as a consequence. She said Ri An Rian was accompanied travelling today with a companion and was more relaxed and settled which she feels helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
B. Hayes, rider of Railway Muice trained by Miss Denise Marie O'Shea, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled throughout the race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
