The story beforehand was all about the gamble on Germany John (7s into 100/30 favourite) but it was local Castlelyons handler Rodger Sweeney that was in the limelight following the CIT Raise And Give Handicap Hurdle at Cork after saddling a 1-2. Whereyounow (14/1), with Sean Flanagan up in the colours of Sweeney's wife Joan, beat the other Castlelyons hope Lagenod (10/1) by a neck, with three and a quarter lengths to Hughies Bay in third.

The aforementioned plunge horse meanwhile, Germany John, on his debut for the Emmet Mullins yard, pulled up after four out.

Sweeney said after the win of his home-bred: "It was hard to get into races for these two horses and both would like nice ground.

"I was expecting Lagenod, which is Donegal spelled backwards - as he is owned by a Donegal man, Pat McGowan - to win. Both horses will go for similar handicaps next and that's my first ever 1-2."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Avec Espoir (GB), 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 Germany John, trained by Emmet Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard and making a respiratory noise post race. Samples were taken for analysis.

A. Ring, rider of Humps And Bumps trained by Peter Croke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left.

B. Hayes, rider of Germany John trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

(TW & EM)