The Bog Bank follows-up on Bellewstown breakthrough The Bog Bank (11/2 from 13/2) followed-up on her breakthrough success at Bellewstown, as she took the William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap. Without a win in twenty-nine starts prior to Bellewstown, the Tom McCourt trained five-year-old was settled behind the leaders by James Ryan and was fourth at halfway. Pushed along to challenge early in the straight, she was ridden to the front a furlong and a half from home, keeping on well from there to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Royal Scholar (13/2) ran on well to take second under Ben Coen for Sarah Lynam, while Wychwood Whisper (13/2 to 5/1) was a further half-a-length back in third. Tara Power was sent off the 10/3 favourite and he finished fifth. Ryan said in the aftermath: "It's unbelievable to think she hadn't got her head in front until Bellewstown two weeks ago, but she's a hardy filly and got home well. I'm delighted now." STEWARDS REPORTS * K.J. Leonard, rider of Phoenix Open (USA) trained by S.M.Duffy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly from 2 and a half furlongs from the finish. * The Stewards reviewed an incident turning into the straight involving Capla Knight, ridden by L.T. McAteer, and Phoenix Open (USA), ridden by K.J. Leonard where it appeared both horses made contact. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
