It was tight but Leyland (number 9) just held on from Valbucca at Galway© Photo Healy Racing
Tuam rider Leigh Roche (winning the event for the third year in succession) kept his local supporters happy when landing the Galway Apprentice Handicap for his boss Dermot Weld on Leyland (first time blinkers on his initial start in handicap company).
Roche conjured a good spurt from the Peintre Celebre gelding to make the best of his way home from before straight.
The victorious three-year-old, sent off a 12/1 chance, kept going well enough to hold off Valbucca (16s into 10s at the track) at the finish by a neck.
Roche said: "I needed a lead in front and I got it from Megan Carberry (on Wrekin Rock .
"He came down the hill really well and he stayed on well up the rail.
"He was a bit leery out in front."
The Stewards requested a report from Mr. DK Weld, trainer concerning the apparent improvement in form of the winner, Leyland, compared to his previous form.
A representative of the trainer reported that his charge appeared to relish today’s step up in trip and that the application of blinkers for the first time had helped bring about the improvement.
Having considered the report the stewards noted it’s content.
The Stewards interviewed SA Gray, rider of Valbucca, placed second, concerning the use of the whip in the closing stages. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and also from Mr.W.McCreery, trainer.Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion S.A. Gray was in breach of Regulation 10 in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account, they cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.
(DM & EM)
