Supreme Vinnie takes off at the last under Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
Supreme Vinnie came out on top in the feature at Limerick this afternoon, the Galway Plate Trial Handicap Chase.
Successful at Punchestown in May, the Denise O'Shea trained nine-year-old was then a well-beaten fifth in the Mayo National at Ballinrobe, before finishing a close eighth in the Connacht version at Roscommon.
Sent off at 10/1 this afternoon, the son of Vinnie Roe was settled in mid-division by Rachael Blackmore and was ninth with a circuit to race.
He made good progress from three out and was pushed along to challenge in third before the next, hitting the front shortly after that fence, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in to score by half a length. Miss Sassie finished second at 7/1 under Bryan Cooper for Paul Nolan, while the 5/2 favourite Snugsborough Benny was a short head back in third.
Denis O'Regan was aboard the latter who was given far too much to do, staying on strongly from the last to finish a never nearer third.
O'Shea said afterwards: "We thoroughly enjoy this horse and the lads came in as owners four years ago and are now very good friends of mine.
"He wants good quick ground and he was brilliant. He needs good quick ground and he'll go to Galway now all being well. He'll run in the Plate if he gets in but if he doesn't scrape in he'll go for the Grade B handicap hurdle on the Saturday and he was second in that two years ago."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Phil The Flyer trained by Ray Hackett was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
J.S. McGarvey, rider of The Gatechecker trained by Michael Hourigan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount cocked his jaw and ran out.
Katie O'Farrell, rider of Phil The Flyer trained by Ray Hackett, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount burst a blood vessel.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Snugsborough Benny, ridden by D.F. O'Regan, and trained by Liam P Cusack. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D.F. O'Regan, stated that his instructions were to drop in, get his mount settled and to do the best he could. He said his mount was further back than he would have liked owing to the slow pace of the race and failed to travel down the hill after he was caught behind other runners. He said his mount travelled well to the second last, but felt he needed to hold his mount at this stage as he feared he might run out. He added that his mount jumped the second last slowly which he felt cost him the race. He concluded by saying that he had no luck in running. Liam P Cusack, confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He said his charge appeared to run around on the approach to the second last which he felt cost him the race. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that the Snugsborough Benny was found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Snugsborough Benny, trained by Liam P Cusack, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were also taken for analysis.
The Stewards informed Michael Hourigan, trainer of The Gatechecker, that a repeat performance of the behaviour of his charge in future, may liable the animal to suspension.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
