Rich Coast gets the better of Molly Connors Rich Coast got off the mark on his fourth attempt over flights as he took the opener at Tipperary this afternoon, the Tipperary Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Barry Geraghty for Noel Meade. The six-year-old son of King's Best was trained in France earlier in his career before having his first start in Ireland last February. He went on to win three on the level last season for Tommy Carmody/Johnny Murtagh, with his last success coming in the Listed Navigation Stakes at Cork in October. He changed hands at Tattersalls later that month for €95,000 and he finished a well-beaten fifth on debut for his new connections in a maiden hurdle at Cork in December. Pulled up on his next outing at Leopardstown he had a break and returned to action at Roscommon last month, finishing third behind Ballychorus. Having opened at 3/1 on-course this afternoon he went off the 11/4 second favourite, tracking the leaders throughout. He came with his challenge before two out and was ridden after that flight. He hit the front after the last and kept on well from there to score by three and a quarter lengths. Molly Connors was sent off the 5/4 favourite (5/2 this morning and from 13/8 on-course) and while she lead into the straight she couldn’t match the winner on the run-in and had to settle for second under Davy Russell for Henry De Bromhead. The front two went ten lengths clear of Kolaphos who finished third at 25/1 under David Casey for Martin Brassil. Nina Carberry said afterwards: "He had been a bit disappointing on soft ground, but the better ground helped and it might have made the difference. "Barry said he jumped very well bar the third last. I imagine Galway might be in mind or else a novice hurdle somewhere." STEWARDS REPORT The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Waste Of Time, ridden by A.P. Heskin, and trained by P.Meany. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. A.P. Heskin, stated that his instructions were to drop in today as the horse had run free in the past. He got into a lovely position early which he maintained until he lost his position after a horse in front of him dropped back quickly, after which his horse took a blow. He struggled to get into the race after that, gave the horse a couple of reminders but was never close enough to challenge the principals. He felt the horse may benefit from a step up in trip in future. P.Meany, confirmed the instructions. He stated that this horse had been ridden more prominently in the past but more waiting tactics were used today. He expressed himself satisfied with the ride and felt the horse achieved his best possible placing. He noted the advice from the rider that the horse may benefit from a step up in trip. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Waste Of Time was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
