Aidan and Ana O'Brien, trainer and rider of Shark Island© Photo Healy Racing
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Shark Island ridden by Anastasia O'Brien, and trained by A.P.O'Brien.
Evidence was heard from the trainers authorised representative and rider concerned. Patrick Keating, Authorised Representative for A.P. O'Brien, stated that the rider was instructed to get her mount settled behind the leaders, get him into a rhythm and to let him run as best as he could.
He added that in discussion with the rider post race he learnt that the colt did not go on the fast surface, ran off the final bend, momentarily felt that he had lost his action, changed his legs in running but ran on well. He advised the Stewards that this colt was a heavy shouldered animal.
Ana O'Brien, rider, confirmed the instructions and stated that she jumped out in mid division but kept a hold of her mount as he is a heavy actioned horse on firm ground.
She felt in running that her mount momentarily lost his action before running wide into the straight but felt sound from thereon and responded to pressure to gallop well to the finish.
She further added that her mount disliked the ground, was changing his legs and she was doing her best to keep him balanced.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Shark Island was lame post race. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations.
