With his recently registered royal blue, gold stag’s head, royal blue cap silks, owner/trainer Gordon Elliott landed the Shamrock Festival Racing 14th March Maiden Hurdle at Navan with the gambled-on Metal Man (16s into 6s).

Elliott was expected by many to take this two miler with Galet D’oudairies (4/9 out to 4/6) but he couldn’t get past the Davy Russell-ridden Metal Man up the straight.

Galet D’oudairies eventually lost out on second place to Annie Pender four lengths and half a length off the all-the-way victor.

Metal Man was making the breakthrough on his fifth outing over hurdles. He cost Aidan O’Ryan and Gordon Elliott 6,500 Euros out of the Michael Halford yard in October.

The chestnut had represented breeder Nicky Hartery (HRI Chairman) up until that point.

“It's great to get an opportunity with him and Gordon has done a marvellous job,” said Russell.

“He was very green and it's probably his first time in front like that, he had a good look.

“It probably wasn't the strongest contest ever but it's nice to get a winner.”

The Stewards received a report from the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that Bear Claws trained by E. McNamara was found to be a gelding and not a colt as shown on the passport presented.

Having considered the report, the Stewards fined E. McNamara €130 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 148(vi).

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Metal Man, trained by Gordon Elliott, placed first compared with its recent form.

Evidence was heard from the trainer's Authorised representative Aidan O'Ryan who stated that he had spoken with Gordon Elliot and they were at a loss to explain the improved run but felt that the change in tactics where the animal made the running today and got a free lead in a slow run race, this being his first time to race prominently, appeared to suit him, whereas, the previous day at Gowran Park the animal did not handle the very heavy ground on a day where conditions were terrible.

He added that the animal was found to be clinically abnormal after a disappointing run at Thurles on the 10th January.

Evidence was also heard from Andrew Shaw, IHRB Senior National Hunt Handicapper, who stated that this animal had four previous runs prior to today. He outlined the runs where on his debut he unseated the rider, ran respectable at Punchestown on the 31st December, was found to be clinically abnormal at Thurles.

In relation to todays race he stated that Metal Man had reversed the placings with Djasek (Fr) as compared with their previous run at Gowran Park.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Annie Pender, ridden by D.F. O'Regan, and trained by John Queally.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.

The rider stated that his instructions were to get his mount settled and drop her in as she is notoriously difficult.

Today he dropped her in to get more cover to try to get her to do her best as it's the best way to ride her.

She settled well and jumped fantastic.

She made a mistake at a hurdle in the straight, he raced on what was in his opinion the best of the ground down the centre of the track, she wasn't going forward for him and he let her over to the rails.

He felt the horse in front of him stopped and he caught him for second but he felt he made up no ground on the winner.

Regarding his whip use, he said that he applied the whip at Naas but she found nothing for it.

John Queally, stated that this is a filly he got from the flat.

She is very keen and can run well but then flatten out.

She is not straight forward and hung off the bend and ran straight for the stands at Punchestown.

She also hung badly off the bend at Gowran.

He was fully satisfied with the ride given as she needs to be settled.

He was very optimistic of a good run today but she's a difficult filly and had to be ridden in a crossed noseband and chifney to help her settle.

She is a weak filly that will benefit from a summer at grass.

The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer which stated that the filly was examined and found to be post race normal.

Samples were taken for analysis.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered but reminded D.F. O'Regan of his obligations under Rule 212A(iii) regarding substantial effort.

(GC & EM)