Whisky Galore (Mark Enright, red cap) rallies to press 1st past post He Is Top Class© Photo Healy Racing
The Leo McMorrow Memorial Handicap Hurdle saw He Is Top Class in the number one spot for the second year in succession but he later lost the race in the steward's room to Whisky Galore at Sligo.
As the Jack Kennedy-ridden He Is Top Class made for the rail from the last, Mark Enright had to switch to continue his run on Whisky Galore. The latter rallied to be half a length down at the line and lengthy deliberations were hardly surprising.
The stewards promoted Whisky Galore over He Is Top Class and the pair had a length and a half in hand over third home, Vintage Supreme Jack Kennedy picked up a 2 day careless riding ban.
Ninety-year-old Edric Browne, owner of the Niall Moran-handled Whisky Galore, was on hand for the presentation and he said: "He must have had more places than any other horse in Ireland (shedding his maiden tag on racecourse outing number sixty).
"The secret today was leaving off the blinkers. It's appropriate that he'd win this race as I was a great friend of Leo and Vincent McMorrow. I remember Leo winning the Grand National in 1949."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference after the last hurdle involving He Is Top Class, ridden by J.W.Kennedy, placed first and Whisky Galore (GB), ridden by M.A. Enright, placed second, where it appeared that Whisky Galore (GB) ran short of room when challenging on the inside.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that He Is Top Class had improved his placing by causing interference to Whisky Galore (GB) and consequently ordered that the placings' be reversed with the result now to read: 1st Whisky Galore (GB) 2nd He Is Top Class.
Furthermore, the Stewards were satisfied that J.W. Kennedy was in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his clean previous record into consideration. Acting Stewards Derek Pugh and Ray McSharry absented themselves from the decisions made at both enquiries. .
Shane Crawley, trainer of Indian Road Runner reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge scoped abnormally post race.
(DM & EM)
