A second and a win for McConnell's Tramore horses

Maricruz ran well to be runner-up in Tramore's second event, and her trainer John McConnell didn't have long to wait for better, as an hour on his Match My Fire triumphed in the Strand Inn Handicap.

A hefty burden of ten stone one wasn't enough to stop 10/1 shot Match My Fire getting there in time under Robbie Downey to touch off A Few Bob Short (5/1 joint favourite) by a neck.

"He got a great ride. He tried to sneak down the inside and then get a run. He has been a tricky horse and everyone probably knows him from his Down Royal exploits when he wouldn't leave the parade ring. It's just great to get the win," said in-form McConnell.

"He is a fun little horse and he'll probably jump a hurdle. We were worried he might plant himself, he just didn't want to leave that day for whatever reason. We have taken to walking him to the start. He jumped off grand, although he was a little bit slow away.

"They went hard and it probably played to his strengthens and then he stayed on well. 

"I've no real plan for him. He was only 1,500 guineas at the horses in training sale last year, and that's two seconds and a win now."

W.J. Lee, rider of Cavelli trained by Noel Henley, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount finished distressed.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dixie Highway trained by Patrick J.Flynn, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.

The Stewards interviewed D.P. Linehan, rider of Creative Talent 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 were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency.

Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended D.P. Linehan for 1 raceday.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Cavelli trained by Noel Henley was distressed post race.

(DM & EM)