Romantic© Photo Healy Racing
Chris Hayes registered a quick double when giving Romantic a strong drive to claim the Jim Fuller Memorial Handicap at Bellewstown.
Hayes made a decisive move under three furlongs from home, in the seven furlong contest, as he drove his mount into the lead.
Paddy Rogers' charge stuck on well in the closing stages to register a three-and-a-quarter length win at odds of 8/1.
6/4 favourite Botanical Lady chased him home in the closing stages without posing a threat.
Rogers was recording his first winner since the same horse struck at Dundalk in April 2013.
"He'd a good run the last day (second at Gowran), and we were hopeful as he was in good form today. We will have to look west now,” said the winning trainer.
There was drama in the race when In Our Blood came down under two furlongs from home after getting a bump from Dea Dia who had been carried wide by Oor Jock
Ronan Whelan was none-the-worse after his tumble.
The following is the Turf Club report into the incident:-
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving In Our Blood, ridden by R.P. Whelan, Oor Jock, ridden by O.J. Orr, and Dea Dia, ridden by M.C. Hussey, where it appeared In Our Blood suffered interference causing him to slip up and unseat R.P. Whelan.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion O.J. Orr was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 3 race-days.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
