Romantic just prevails for Rogers & Leonard The easy to back Romantic recorded his second win from his last three starts, as he just prevailed in a three-way finish to the Golf Membership At Gowran Park For 2017 Apprentice Handicap. The Paddy Rogers trained Holy Roman Emperor (also the sire of race five winner Lady Fandango) gelding was second over the course and distance on his seasonal debut in May, winning on his next start at Bellewstown. He since finished fourth at Tipperary, and he was sent off an easy to back 7/1 chance this evening, having been as short as 7/2 last night, opening on-course at 6's. Settled in third by Killian Leonard, he was switched off the rails with over two furlongs to race, and he was soon pushed along to challenge. He got to the front with over a furlong to go, and he kept on well inside the final furlong, going on to prevail by a short head. Jessamine was sent off the well-backed 11/2 favourite (from 7's) and she filled the runner-up spot under Denis Linehan for Pat Flynn. Liberality (16/1) was another short head back in third under, while Beclare Boy (7/1) was three lengths back in fourth. Paddy Rogers said afterwards: "He's been very consistent this year winning at Bellewstown, and the shorter trip probably just caught him out at Tipperary last time. "He's owned by my family and friends (the Grange Racing Syndicate), and he is terribly well bred." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Stewards interviewed John Joseph Hanlon, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Adarenna. Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that this race was restricted to five, seven and ten pound claiming apprentices which made it very difficult to secure a rider for a seventeen runner contest. He added that Jockeys Agents were unable to find a suitable rider. He then relied on the first reserve not getting into the race which would allow D.J. Redmond, it's nominated rider, to become available. When this materialised he requested permission for his nomination. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the explanation offered and allowed the nomination of D.J. Redmond to ride Adarenna. * The Stewards enquired into incidents both before and after the turn out of the back straight involving Jessamine, ridden by D.P. Linehan, placed second and Ask Katie, ridden by P.J. O'Hanlon, placed sixth, where it appeared that Ask Katie had received interference on two occasions. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Patrick J. Flynn, trainer of Jessamine, attended this enquiry with D.P. Linehan. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.P. Linehan had caused both incidents by riding carelessly and therefore suspended him for 4 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration. * The Stewards fined K.P. Moriarty €200 for failing to arrive at the racecourse to weigh out for his nominated ride on Regal Power (GB). Additional reporting by Alan Magee
