Secret Cargo, right, leads on the run-in as Follow The Crowd departs at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Secret Cargo took the honours in the concluding handicap chase at Wexford in the hands of Mikey Hamill.
He was one of four horses who jumped the second last virtually in unison in this extended three mile one staying test.
He went on with Follow The Crowd at the final fence, but that rival crashed out and in so doing hampered Secret Cargo. Steps Match was left second and got a sniff of victory as he was soon almost on terms with the leader on the run-in.
Hamill got Secret Cargo organised again and his mount responded well to tough it out by a neck at 16/1. Steps Match was just held in second at 11/2. I'm Not Alone the 10/3 favourite, was seven lengths adrift in third.
Trainer Philip Fenton said: "It's a bit hit and miss with him. Some days he can perform and then other days he can run a stinker for no apparent reason.
He ran well here on his second-last start and then ran mediocre at Limerick.
"Back here again and over the extended trip suited him. It's grand that things fell his way today. He will stick to this grade."
The Stewards interviewed M. Hamill, rider of Secret Cargo, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, M. Hamill admitted that he had exceeded the whip guidelines on the permitted use of the whip and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that M. Hamill was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended M. Hamill for three racedays.
The Stewards interviewed I.J. Power, rider of Steps Match, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, I.J. Power admitted that he had misjudged the number of hits with the whip and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that I.J. Power was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration and pursuant to the provisions of R10(6)(a), the Stewards suspended I.J. Power for six racedays.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
