Clifftop and Charlie O'Dwyer© Photo Healy Racing
Harry Rogers sent out his first winner since September and in the process supplied young Charlie O'Dwyer with a second success in the plate aboard Clifftop (10s into 9s) in the P&M Green Energy Cottages Handicap (division one) at Bellewstown.
Clifftop goes in the Grand National winning silks of Bernard Carroll, those of Numbersixvalverde.
County Clare native Carroll owns the Canford Cliffs three-year-old with Ralph Kelly and Thomas Cox.
Clifftop drew clear in the closing stages to account for well-backed favourite Solomons Seal by three and a quarter lengths.
“We've been a long time waiting. The horses have been working well but just not firing. They've started to come right in the last few weeks,” said Rogers.
“It's good for the young chap. Conor (O'Dwyer - his father and trainer of the 8th placer Raise The Tempo let him off his own one to ride him.
“He's done everything right and he'll ride winners as he listens.
“This horse might win another one somewhere and we might go to Listowel with him.”
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Kody Ridge ridden by R. Coakley, Turf Range ridden by A.C. Persse, Boughtinthedark ridden by James J. Doyle, and Clifftop (GB), ridden by C.G. O'Dwyer, placed 1st, where it appeared Boughtinthedark ran short of room and checked.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
C.G. O'Dwyer gave his evidence in the presence of H.Rogers.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found A.C. Persse in breach of Rule 214 through careless riding and having taken his record into account cautioned him.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Guiding trained by Shane Nolan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(GC & EM)
