Massini's Trap and Fran Berry are clear from the Seamie Heffernan partnered Hurricane Jojo© Photo Healy Racing
Fran Berry put a smile on the faces of favourite backers for the second time in half-an-hour when Massini's Trap (5/2 into 15/8 on track) landed the Tipperary Water Handicap at Ballinrobe.
Berry gave the now three time winner a patient ride and to add to his gains from earlier on Rae's Creek he struck for home on the James Nash-trained runner from over a furlong out.
Massini's Trap kept on strongly in the final furlong to comfortably beat Hurricane Jojo by four and three parts of a length.
Nash commented on the Sebastian Curran-owned and bred victor: "I'd suppose he was entitled to do that. Up in trip everything happened a bit easier for him and we might even go a little bit further.
"It'll be good for his confidence because he's after having a few very hard races in very competitive hurdle races. "We'll try and find something similar for him.
"I'm hoping he'll end up in the Galway Hurdle."
The Stewards enquired into an incident before the turn into the straight involving Musawama ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced , Streak (GB), ridden by J.P. O'Brien, unplaced and Seeyouallincoppers ridden by C.P. Hoban, placed fifth. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that C.P.Hoban was in breach of Rule 214, having ridden carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for four race days.
Furthermore the rider was found to be in breach of Rule 213, having failed to report at the first instance that his horse was hanging and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.
C.P. Hoban, rider of Seeyouallincoppers, trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly throughout.
D.M. Grant, rider of Apisata (GER), trained by Mervyn Torrens, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly.
(DM & EM)
