On what was his first day riding in Ireland, Brazilian native Cristiano Martins struck gold aboard The Cola Brasil in the Mallow Handicap.

Successful on his penultimate start at Fairyhouse, the Michael Browne trained chestnut since disappointed at Gowran and was sent off a 12/1 chance (touched 18s early) this afternoon in the colours of owner Patrick Moyles.

Settled in mid-division in the centre of the track, the Mayson six-year-old was pushed along and took closer order with over two furlongs to race.

Ridden in third from the furlong pole, he gradually wore down the front pair, getting up on the line to prevail by a short head.

.Dragons Call was the one just denied, with Jamie Powell aboard this Johnny Feane trained 17/2 chance.

.Florence Thompson (4/1jf) was another half-a-length back in third, while recent course winner Born Invincible (4/1jf) was three-and-a-quarter lengths away in fourth.

Martins said in the aftermath: "I rode 425 winners in Brazil - in Sao Paolo, Rio and Curitiba and rode for a long time.

"I never retired and still rode for fun when I went on holidays to Brazil. When covid came, I had no chance to go back so thanks to HRI for giving me my license here when I decided to come back again.

"I moved to Ireland and spent 11 years with Willie Browne, who was very good to me and looked after me. I know this horse well and bought him as a yearling and I rode a horse for the same owner (Patrick Moyles) earlier today, so thanks very much to him."

The winning trainer added: "Cristiano is living just up the rode from me and actually bought Logo Hunter so only for him we wouldn't have the horse.

"He is a good lad, works hard and does a lot of breeze up horses. He uses my gallop for that and does well.

"There are a few races coming up for The Cola Brasil but I honestly hadn't thought beyond today. This track suits him well and he needs a good galloping track."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Tom McGuinness, trainer of Bella Rosetta (GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was found to be showing signs of being in season prior to racing, which was confirmed by the I.H.R.B. Veterinary Officer.

The Stewards interviewed C. Martins, rider of The Cola Brasil (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that C. Martins was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record they suspended him for 1 raceday.

The Stewards requested a report from Michael J. Browne, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of The Cola Brasil (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent run at Gowran Park on July 23rd 2022, when finishing 10th of 16 runners and was beaten by 11 lengths. The trainer reported that his charge failed to handle the quick ground on that occasion and felt today's more favourable ground conditions had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the content of the report.

The Stewards requested a report from John James Feane, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Dragons Call placed second, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge was competing at a lower level of handicap for the first time and felt this was a contributing factor in today's improved performance. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the content of the report.

Miss Susan A Finn, trainer of Mymomentintime (USA), reported to the Clerk of Scales that her charge failed to stretch out in running and was found to be stiff post race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes