Tell Us This (Conor Stone Walsh - 9 day improper riding ban) does Benjis Benefit (Aidan Kelly) no favours© Photo Healy Racing
The Stewards were forced into action following the Club Lemon Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal but it wasn't any great surprise when the announcement was made that there was no change to the judge's placings. Gavin Cromwell's Tell Us This (15/2) was confirmed the length and three parts victor.
Conor Stone Walsh's mount leaned in and hampered runner-up Benjis Benefit on the run-in, but the general consensus appeared to be that the best horse had gained the day as the principals left Who's In Midfield nine and a half lengths back in third.
The predominantly green and black winning silks of the Old School Syndicate were associated with a good staying handicap chaser of yester-year in Dun Doire, and Tell Us This certainly has scope for progression as he's just a five-year-old with seven races under his belt now.
"He was probably in front plenty soon enough and was quite green when he got there," said Cromwell.
"He kept the head down, in fairness.
"The last couple of days he faded very quick, he never picked up at all the last day in Naas. I suppose the first time on better ground."
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Benjis Benefit, ridden by A.P. Kelly, placed second, and Tell Us This, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. A.P. Kelly stated that Tell Us This was coming across to him the whole way to the line after jumping the last and that he shouted at C. Stone-Walsh numerous times.
C. Stone-Walsh stated that his mount ran very green and when he jumped the last he thought he was clear to go to the rail.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that while Tell Us This had caused interference to Benjis Benefit he did not improve his finishing position as a result of this interference so they made no alteration to the Judge’s placings.
They were, however, of the opinion that C. Stone-Walsh was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden improperly and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for nine racedays.
C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Tell Us This, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was very green under pressure and ran around a lot.
M.P. O'Connor, rider of Rightfolksplease trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right.
J.S. McGarvey, rider of Eikonix (GB), trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount refused to race having jumped off okay. He further added that his mount would have started but for the false start.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after crossing the road way involving Benjis Benefit, ridden by A.P. Kelly, placed second, Tell Us This, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, placed first, Forever Frankie ridden by R. Deegan, unplaced, Rightfolksplease, ridden by M.P. O'Connor, unplaced, and Chancer Dancer ridden by G. Brouder, placed sixth, where it appeared the horses came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. A.P. Kelly stated that he thought he was clear of Mr. Deegans mount and did his best to keep his mount straight. C. Stone-Walsh stated that he came around the outside and his mount ran around but didn't cause much interference. R. Deegan stated that his race was run and his mount was going backwards. M.P. O'Connor stated that things got a small bit tight. G. Brouder stated that his mount was tiring and his race was run. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Del Girl ridden by T. Joseph Kelly, unplaced, Banada Bridge ridden by R.A. Doyle, unplaced, and Divilabother ridden by C.P. Millar, placed fourth, where it appeared the three horses came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. T. Joseph Kelly stated that there was slight contact. R.A. Doyle stated that he felt he kept a straight line as much as possible and felt slight interference from his outside. C.P. Millar stated that his mount started hanging in and he received a little bump. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
(MG & EM)
