What Lies Ahead justified the confidence of those that backed her from an earlier 7/4, into even money, for the opening Join Us Kilkenny GAA Day March 21st Maiden Hurdle at Gowran. Barry Cash made virtually all aboard the attractive big Saffron Walden mare.

Her main rival in the betting, proved to be just that out on the track too, Snaidhm delivering her bid over the final two flights.

However Cash always looked happy that'd he contain the challenge of the J J Slevin-partnered runner-up, which eventually proved to be the case by a neck.

Winning trainer Willie McCreery said of owner/breeder David Hyland's half-sister to Perfect Gentleman: "There's some little thing catching her and she's just not letting herself go at the hurdles. She missed out the last three there.

"I can't give out to her though, as she's won a bumper, on the flat, and over hurdles now.

"On decent ground she'll be okay, but I want to get that sorted out (whatever's impeding her jumping) or we may not have a mare to go on with."

The Stewards interviewed Mr J.J. Slevin, rider of Snaidhm, concerning his use of the whip in 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 the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) and 10.(4), in that he used the whip with excessive force and frequency, while without giving his mount time to respond.

Having considered the riders record in this regard, he was suspended for ten race days and ordered to attend RACE for one day's tuition on the correct use of the whip.

(AM & EM)