Rooster Byron clear the last under Kevin Sexton© Photo Healy Racing
Rooster Byron completed a hat-trick of wins in style, as he comfortably took the Mallow Handicap Hurdle under Kevin Sexton for Paul Nolan.
Successful on his debut over fences at Clonmel in March, the seven-year-old son of Oscar followed-up over flights at Limerick last month.
He went up twelve pounds for that Greenmount Park win, and was sent off the 5/2 favourite (from 3s) this evening in the colours of owner Kay Browne.
Settled in mid-division, he took closer order from five out and led after the second last. He went a few lengths clear before the final flight, and was ridden on the run-in before being eased down close home. Ask Susan (20/1) finished a length and three parts away in second under Liam Gilligan for John Nicholson, while Seskinane (14/1) was six length back in third.
Nolan, who earlier hit the bar with Baboin and Quamino said afterwards: "I'm delighted he was able to cope with the rise and I think that'll be him (finished) for the season because he handles proper winter ground.
"He had a bit of trouble as a five year old so there's no point in having to walk tracks and decide whether to run or not.
"He was a horse we probably pushed too much as a youngster and he was a late developer and it's nice to see him improving now and hopefully he can develop into a nice staying chaser next season."
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.G. Hogan, rider of Jack The Wire trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was rode wide for better ground, wandered inwards when tiring in the closing stages and met with interference at the last when racing behind a faller.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Lady In Lavender trained by John J. Walsh was found to have blood on both nostrils post race having fallen.
The Stewards interviewed Mr E. Mahon, rider of Seskinane, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned him.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
