Job done - Train Of Thought and Pat Smullen at Ballinrobe© Photo Healy Racing
Train Of Thought got the many followers of Dermot Weld and Ruby Walsh off to a flyer at last year's Galway Festival and the Sadler's Wells gelding came back west for career victory number two in the Tote Win 24% Better Than Bookmakers SP Maiden.
Dermot Weld's charge, with Pat Smullen up, made all and he was ridden clear entering the straight, keeping on strongly to defeat Pastiches by seven and a half lengths.
Smullen explained: "He deserved that. I was saying for a while that he mightn't have been staying so the drop back probably helped.
"The track is in tremendous order."
Big morning gamble Like A Diamond was withdrawn in advance of this event (see seperate story).
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Regusci (finished 7th), ridden by R.C. Colgan, and trained by A.J. Martin.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
A.J. Martin, stated that this animal has proven to be difficult to settle on the race track when running in hurdle races and does not have the pace to race in flat races. He instructed R.C. Colgan to jump off at the rear of the field, do not move on the animal, do not hit the animal and finish as best that he can. He stated that he was satisfied with the ride and added that he has no particular future plans for this animal but is hopeful that someday everything will go right for him and a victory may be gained. He stated that he was satisfied with the ride
R.C. Colgan, stated that he had consulted with Ruby Walsh about this animal and felt that he was best ridden on his own as he can run blind if he found himself in a claustrophobic position. He added that his mount jumped off slowly and was at the rear of the field early on having settled very quickly. He was flat out in the back straight, ran wide off the bend and stayed on for a good hands and heels ride in the closing stages
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Regusci was post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the trainers explanation and advised R.C. Colgan that he must be seen to make a better effort in the future.
(DM & EM)
