Act In Time clears the last under Mark Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Act In Time completed a quick double for Mark Walsh and JP McManus, as he took the second at Killarney, the Killarney Towers Hotel Maiden Hurdle.
Successful in the opener with Le Richebourg for Joseph O'Brien, Walsh and McManus teamed-up with Christy Roche here.
Having went close on two occasions during the winter, the successful son of Stowaway was sent off the 10/3 second favourite today.
Settled behind the leaders on the inner, he improved to the front before two out, and kept on well from there to record a comfortable four and a half length success. Line Out (7/1 to 4's) finished second under Brian Hayes for John Kiely, while Iusetaluvheronce (25's to 14's) was another three lengths back in third, with Mark Enright in the saddle for Pat Neville. Theatre Dreams was sent off the 3/1 favourite, and she faded tamely once headed after three out.
Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, said afterwards: "He jumped away grand and handled the ground and it's nice to get the winning bracket.
"He was a bit disappointing the last day and had a bit of a break but I'd say he doesn't mind the bit of good ground and had the experience as well.
"He'll tip away for the summer and go for a handicap hurdle before eventually going chasing."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Ned's Indian ridden by P. Townend, and trained by David M.O'Brien. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. P. Townend, stated that his instructions were to position the horse as handy as possible, wherever he could travel and to ride a race from there. He added that the horse had a blow in the back straight, had to check before the turn in and had another blow in the straight. He concluded by saying that he looked after the horse in the straight as it seemed pointless to put the horse under any more pressure, it being his first run for a year. He stated that he reported at scales that his charge got very tired. David M.O'Brien, confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. Evidence was also heard from Mr.P.L.Malone, clerk of the scales who stated that he did not hear any report from P.Townend post race. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Ned's Indian was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered in relation to the running and riding, they were however of the opinion that P.Townend was in breach of Rule 213, in that he failed to report at the first instance that the horse got very tired in the straight and having considered his clean record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Celebrity Status trained by Conor O'Dwyer whinnied past the winning line on pulling up.
A.E. Lynch, rider of Shalaman trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
