All About Alfie wins a Limerick thriller

A couple of big-priced horses fought out a tremendous finish to Limerick's two mile three handicap hurdle with All About Alfie shading the verdict.

It was Ciankyle who travelled strongly into the lead before two two out with All About Alfie and Queen Khaleesi in close contention.

Queen Khaleesi couldn't go with the other two as they raced towards the last in unison.

All About Alfie took a slender lead on the run-in but Ciankyle rallied on his inside and fought him all the way to the line before giving best by a head.

All About Alfie scored at 20/1 under Patrick Corbett while Ciankyle and Mark Bolger took second at 25/1.

Queen Khaleesi, the 6/1 favourite, was three lengths adrift in third. Northern Emperor completed the placings in fourth at 25/1. Hugh Divots who was gambled on from 25/1 to 16/1, came in fifth.

Trainer Tom Foley said: "I thought his price was too good for me! It's not like I'd be having a whole lot on him but he was too big a price for me to back him! I'm happy he won though.

"He likes nice ground, not rock-hard ground and he could go to Tipperary next."

The Stewards interviewed C.A. Landers, rider of Queen Khaleesi, 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 used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended him for five race days.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes