Ruby Walsh (blue and white) on Mr Antolini fends of Ballela Boy and Bryan Cooper nearside© Photo Healy Racing
It boiled down to a match between the first and second favourite over the closing couple of hurdles at Gowran in race two, the Racing Again Tomorrow Maiden Hurdle. Ruby Walsh stepped in for the unwell Davy Russell to get Mr Antolini home for the local Garrett Power yard.
Walsh's intended mount, Snag List, missed this event on account of being lame. Her defection saw things change in the market but there was no doubting the confidence behind Ballela Boy who eventually went off the 6/4 favourite.
When Mr Antolini got the penultimate flight wrong it looked like the door was opened for Ballela Boy, but he couldn't find a way past and he was half a length down at the line.
Power has his horses in very good form and Walsh was happy, saying: "He was tough. I thought going to the second last that I might get beat but when I was in front at the last I felt my horse's fitness would tell."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Braize (FR), trained by G.T.Hourigan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Braize (FR), ridden by P. Townend, and trained by G.T.Hourigan.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. P. Townend, rider, stated that he was instructed to jump off in the first six and to do his best.
He explained that his mount took a strong hold in the early stages of this race and had been carried wide over a few hurdles.
He added that his mount began to tire going to the third last hurdle which he jumped poorly and gave a blow.
From that point he held his mount together and got no response for his urgings. In his opinion his mount should improve for this run and this would be helped by settling better.
G.T.Hourigan, trainer, confirmed the instructions and added that in his opinion that his charge had dived at the third last hurdle and had nothing more to offer from thereon.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Braize (FR) was blowing hard post race.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards cautioned P. Townend to be seen to make more of an effort in similar circumstances and furthermore noted the trainers explanation.
(AM & EM)
