Aared does it again on seasonal debut

Aared won on his seasonal debut for the second time in as many campaigns, as he took the K Club Handicap under Dylan Hogan for Kevin Prendergast.

Successful on his first start of the year at Naas in April of 2017, he failed to follow-up on three subsequent starts.

Racing today for the first time since June, the son of Shamardal was sent off a 14/1 chance in the colours of Hamdam Al Maktoum.

Settled behind the leaders on the outer, he was sixth entering the straight. He was ridden to the front just under two furlongs out, keeping on well from there to see off the late surge of Espoir D'soleil by half a length.

The runner-up was returned at 7/1 under Leigh Roche for Dermot Weld, while Wooster (13/2) and Claregate Street (7/1) completed the places in third and fourth.

"He's a grand old horse and we've had him since he was a baby," said Prendergast.

"He's had plenty of problems over the years and has been operated on for his wind twice.

"He's had all sorts of problems but he's been a great lead horse. He used to lead Awtaad and he's leading Alghabrah now so hopefully she runs as well as he did and does something similar or near enough.

"Dylan is a good rider. He's gone back to seven pounds now which is a big help to him and hopefully he'll go on from here."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the latter stages of this race involving Tennessee Wildcat ridden by S.P. Davis, unplaced, Spruce Meadows ridden by G.P. Halpin, placed seventh and Bumbasina ridden by W.J. Lee, placed fifth, where it appeared that Tennessee Wildcat ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference that took place was accidental in nature and took no further action.

F.M. Berry, rider of Roconga trained by E. J. O'Grady, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not get a clear run in the last two furlongs.

C. O'Donoghue, rider of Tirmizi (FR) trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung to the left throughout this race.

The Stewards interviewed W.J. Lee, rider of Bumbasina, concerning his use of the whip in the latter 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 W.J. Lee was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended W.J. Lee for 3 racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson