The easy-to-back Gekkota sprang a surprise in the opener at Limerick this evening, the Jason Nyhan Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

Not beaten far when sixth in a bumper at Listowel on his penultimate start, the Thomond O'Mara trained six-year-old was 12/1 in early shows but eventually went off at 33s in the colours of Roisin Hickey.

Settled in mid-division on the inner, the Tiger Groom six-year-old made progress from five out and improved to lead before the second last.

Soon pushed along, he kept up the gallop all the way to the line, coming home three-and-a-quarter lengths to the good under Richie Deegan. Itso Vango (13/2) came through to take second under Sean Flanagan for Liz Doyle, while Dorans Boy (10/3) was a head away in third. Bells Life was sent off the 11/4 favourite and he finished a disappointing ninth.

"There was a bit of stopping and starting and the race fell apart going up the back straight. He was left there plenty soon but was tough and it worked out lovely," the winning rider said.

"He had a couple of nice runs in point-to-points and was going to win one day when he fell. Thomond said to take your time, ride him to run well and it worked."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed G.B. Noonan, rider of Dorans Boy, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the whip guidelines. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that G.B. Noonan was in breach of R10.3(g) and R10.3(i) and having considered his record, they suspended him for 7 racedays.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Bells Life, trained by E. J. O'Grady, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on its left hind leg having been struck into on its left hind hock.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Ithaka ridden by K.C. Sexton, and trained by Ronan M.P. McNally. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. K.C. Sexton, stated that Ronan M.P. McNally, gave no riding instructions leaving it up to him how to ride the horse. He added that he planned to jumped out at the rear of the field to get him settled and then ride a race from there. He added the race went as planned and he put him into the race going across the top bend and he stayed on from there. Ronan M.P. McNally confirmed that he left it to K.C. Sexton on how to ride the horse stating that he was happy with the ride from K.C. Sexton and delighted with the run from the horse. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Ithaka was post race normal with the exception of a small superficial cut on its left fore cannon. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Ronan M.P. McNally and K.C. Sexton were in breach of Rule 212A(ii)(timely, real and substantial effort) and having considered their records, they fined Ronan M.P. McNally E2,000 and suspended Ithaka from running for 42 days. Furthermore they suspended K.C. Sexton for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes