Well-backed Emperor the boss Tony Martin's decision to turn out Noble Emperor quickly after a fall over fences at Limerick four days ago paid dividends when the Spadoun gelding ran out a well-backed winner of the Free Festival Upgrade Ticket Offer Hurdle at Punchestown. The J P McManus-owned and Barry Geraghty-ridden seven-year-old came into 11/8 from 15/8 on track, and bigger earlier, and he headed Seabass from before the last. From there the free-goer went on to prevail by three lengths from the aforementioned admirable veteran. "It's great to get that out of the way. He's had some great runs and it's nice to get that win," stated Martin. "The size of him you would think he's made for the fences at Aintree 30 years ago but his jumping has been a bit iffy over fences. He'll probably mix it between hurdles and chases, and we'll have to see where he goes next." The Stewards interviewed Ms K. Walsh, rider of Seabass, concerning her use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Ms K. Walsh was in breach of R10(3)(e) by hitting her mount other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters and consequently cautioned her having taken her good record into consideration. (AM & EM)
