The Richard Fahey trained George Bowen landed the opener at the Curragh today, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Bold Lad' Sprint Handicap.

Having won his last start at Newmarket the grey son of Dark Angel was available at 12/1 last night, opening on-course at just 7's before going off the 8/1 co-favourite of three.

Settled on the rail in mid-division he was switched wide to challenge with two furlongs to race.

He was ridden to lead with a furlong to go and he kept on well from there to score by a length and three parts under Jamie Spencer.

The well-backed In Salutem (16/1 in the morning and from 12's to 10's on-course) finished second under Seamie Heffernan for Ken Condon (later disqualified, see below) while Master Speaker (18/1) was a further three parts of a length back in third under Colin Keane for Martin Hassett.

Richard Fahey also saddled Jan Van Hoof and he finished another three parts of a length back in fourth at 12/1. Ostatnia and Morselle were the other co-favourites and they finished sixth and last respectively.

Fahey said afterwards: "He had a terrible draw and I don't know how he got across on to the fence. It was a touch of genius.

"The plan was to come here and then go to Ayr for the Silver Cup, he won't get into the Gold Cup.

"He's not a bad little horse. He's a good handicapper, that's what he is and he's by a great sire."

Jamie Spencer added: "He is a progressive horse, Richard fancied him but obviously he was very worried about the draw (seven).

"The ground is on the easy side, it is probably good to soft."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving An Saighdiur ridden by D.P. McDonogh, unplaced, In Salutem (GB), ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed second and Creggs Pipes ridden by T.P. Madden, unplaced, where it appeared An Saighdiur and Creggs Pipes suffered interference.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned in the presence of John Hayden, trainer, representing T.P. Madden.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion J.A Heffernan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden dangerously, and acting under the terms of Rule 214(i)(a) they disqualified In Salutem (GB) from 2nd place and amended the result to read;

First: George Bowen

Second: Master Speaker

Third: Jan Van Hoof

Fourth: Kasbah 0AFifth: Ostatnia

Sixth: Jamesie

Futhermore, having taken his record into account, they suspended J.A. Heffernan for 10 days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

C.T. Keane, rider of Master Speaker, trained by Martin Hassett, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran keen early, and ran short of room momentarily, thereby clipping a heel.

D.P. McDonogh, rider of An Saighdiur trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount had to check badly in the latter stages.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson