Wolfofallstreets and James O'Sullivan© Photo Healy Racing
"It shows you what a bad trainer I am, all summer I had been dropping him in over 2m4f and we didn't really know what trip he needed,” mused trainer Philip Rothwell after his Wolfofallstreets scored under James O’Sullivan in the Templemore Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.
The 12/1 shot was adding to wins for stable companions Fiveaftermidnight (20/1) and Enduring Love (25/1), which have also come in the month of November.
Getting off the mark at the 14th time of asking, Wolfofallstreets led early before soon tracking the leader on the outer, and he was third at the halfway stage.
Making headway to lead again three out, the Kalanisi gelding was travelling well in the straight, drawing clear on the run-in to easily defeat Ard Na Carraig by nine and a half lengths.
“I had it in my head when the ground got softer that going further wasn't ideal but said we'd ride him more positively and let him enjoy it,” further reflected Rothwell.
"He had been running great but getting beaten so I said to James to ride him positively. He was always a very good traveller and had been placed in good handicaps in the past but we weren't getting there.
"I told James to stay out from the chopped up ground, it was a great ride and the owner Carol Hogan is top class and I'm delighted to have another winner for her."
P.T. Enright, rider of Western Doyen trained by V. T. O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount gurgled after the last.
At the request of the Stewards, D. Meyler, rider of Cedar Hill trained by Shane Crawley, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount took a blow.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Western Doyen, trained by V. T. O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Balkos (FR), trained by Donal Hassett, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Balkos (FR), ridden by D.E. Mullins, and trained by Donal Hassett. Evidence was heard from the rider and the trainer's representative Brian Hassett.
D.E. Mullins, stated that his instructions were to switch his mount off on the inside as this horse can be keen at times.
He felt they went a proper gallop but his mount took a keen hold early. His mount raced with his head cocked to the right as he tried to settle him, he never really settled, missed a hurdle down the back and was not sharp enough in his first handicap to keep his position.
His mount emptied at the top of the hill but he grabbed a hold of his head and showed him the whip. His mount was out on his head running to the last and had nothing left from the back of the last but he picked up his whip and rode his mount all the way to the line.
He felt he made very little ground on the horses in front of him.
Brian Hassett, representing Donal Hassett, trainer, confirmed the instructions that the rider was to jump off down the inner.
The horse had run very free last time and had been lit up by the crack off the hurdles.
He is not a simple horse and is still immature.
His horse was fit coming here having had three recent runs.
He expressed himself satisfied with the ride.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the horse was coughing post race.
Samples were taken for analysis.
The horse was also examined endoscopically by the race course vet and found to have mucous in his trachea post race.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, in light of the veterinary evidence the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
(TW & EM)
