In-form pair Sean Aherne and Eoin Walsh struck in the Reusable Event Cups Handicap Chase at Navan with Ask And Answer

Aherne had a recent winner, Chosen Hour, at Punchestown, whilst Walsh rode placed horses for him, Nicole’s Milan and Stolen Moment, since the beginning of the year.

Impressive seven pound conditional Walsh, won on Thedevilscoachman, for his boss, Noel Meade, at Naas a couple of weeks back, and here he was strong on Ask And Answer.

There was heart-ache for connections and supporters of the mare, Ask Mary as she was nailed near the finish of this three miler, losing out by half a length to Ask And Answer.

Ask now stands at Dunraven Stud in Wales. He sired the first two as their names might suggest and for good measure, he had the third, Ask Cory as well.

Ask And Answer represents owner Eoin Barry, and some will remember his Beantown taking second in the 2006 four miler at the Cheltenham festival.

He was also trained by Aherne, and ridden by Paul ‘Wiggy’ Tobin.

"Staying is his forte. He is bred to stay and he is a stayer and today was his best day jumping by a long way," said Aherne.

"He ran in Limerick over Christmas when we thought he had a chance but Limerick can be extremely tough going and today suited. It was a handicap and he was rated lower than his hurdles rating and Eoin claimed 7lbs as well.

"Eoin has already ridden a winner, second, third and fourth for me and has been lucky for me. We'll look for another handicap chase next.

"I have ten horses in training but have loads of room for more."

D.F. O'Regan, rider of Captain Cruiser trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground.

The Stewards interviewed Miss E.A. Lalor, rider of Ask Mary, concerning her use of the whip in the closing 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 Miss E.A. Lalor was in breach of R10(3)(i) by using her whip without allowing her mount at least three strides to respond.

Having taken her previous record into consideration, the Stewards cautioned Miss E.A. Lalor on this occasion.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Wake Up Early trained by Francis J. Flood, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Open To The World trained by Padraig Roche, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of Laughing Trix trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled before being pulled up.

(TW & EM)