Crocodile Rock (Joseph O'Brien) keeps So Focussed at bay© Photo Healy Racing
"He's genuine. He's been off the track for a while and he's entitled to improve from the run," said Joseph O'Brien after he completed a double for his father Aidan on Crocodile Rock in the finale at Gowran, the Racing Again November 21st Maiden.
Donnacha O'Brien rode the earlier Ballydoyle victor, Jaqen H'Ghar in the 3.05, and here Crocodile Rock chased Freedomoftheseas in second until leading travelling well three furlongs out.
Strongly backed eight to eleven shot Crocodile Rock was soon clear but So Focussed came through to press from over a furlong out.
The hot-pot stayed on well under pressure in the final furlong for a three parts of a length success.
"He should stay a bit further and will hopefully get another one," added O'Brien.
"He'll stay and handle soft ground. Eventually I'm sure he'll go jumping somewhere."
The Stewards interviewed Ann Grace,representing Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer of Neatly Put (GB),and Conor Hoban, rider, concerning the conduct of this horse prior to this race and mindful of his behaviour at Cork last weekend.
Evidence was heard from the trainers representative who stated that the horse behaves well at home but can be a bit excitable and that perhaps the application of a hood the next day may help her charge.
Evidence was also heard from the rider concerned.
Having considered the evidence the stewards noted the explanations but ordered that the horse be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
Furthermore the trainer was reminded, through his representative that any re-occurrence of this behaviour may render his charge liable for suspension.
(GC & EM)
