It was very hard work late on for the runners in the Mallow Hunters Chase and in the survival of the fittest and toughest Wilcosdiana came out on top under Maxine O'Sullivan.

Miss O'Sullivan and the mare did well to stay together after a final fence mistake. The same obstacle claimed the chasing Eddies Miracle and fortunately he got to his feet afterwards.

The great On The Fringe again looked a shadow of his former self, eventually pulling up before the second last.

At the line Wilcosdiana had eleven lengths in hand over Knockraha Boss

"She was second in a maiden here at Easter. She was a bit weak and backward, and when we heard this race had been moved from Wexford we aimed her for it," explained Eugene O'Sullivan, winning trainer and father of Maxine.

"She's a very big raw mare, and she has a lot of talent. We were very lucky at the last. We could have taken a pull and jumped it safely but we'll put it down to experience.

"I've no plan for her. Today was the plan. Do you go inside the rails in novices or stay point-to-pointing? We'll have to have a think about it."

The Stewards interviewed Miss M. O'Sullivan, rider of Wilcosdiana, concerning his 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 found Miss M. O'Sullivan to be in breach of Regulation 10.4 in that she failed to give her mount time to respond.

Having considered her record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned Miss M. O'Sullivan.

(AM & EM)