Bay Hill justifies favouritism in Listowel opener

The well-backed Bay Hill justified favouritism in the opener at Listowel, the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Beaten by just half a length in the Amateur Derby at the Curragh last month, the Padraig Roche trained grey was available at 7/1 in early shows.

The son of Verglas opened on-course at just 7/2, before going off the 3/1 favourite in the colours of race sponsor JP McManus.

Settled in a close second by Liam McKenna, recording his first success since December of 2016, he improved to lead from four out. Misty Millie who made good progress from rear, threw down a challenge from two out, but the winner had plenty left in the tank, and was ridden out on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths.

The aforementioned Misty Millie had to settle second at 12/1 under Danny Hand for Garvan Donnelly, while Ejayteekay (16/1) was another two and a quarter lengths back in third with Conor McNamara aboard this one.

Roche said afterwards: "It's great to get a winner at Listowel and that's his seventh win for us and he's been a great horse. He has won five on the Flat and that's his second win over hurdles.

"He likes flat tracks and we'll keep him going now, why not. He ran well on the Flat at the Curragh and hopefully he might go back for a Flat race. There may be another hurdle or two in him too."

STEWARDS REPORTS

L.P. Gilligan, rider of Billy's Angel trained by Adrian Murray, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung to the right throughout and stopped quickly.

T. Ryan, rider of Time And Times trained by D.McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake in the back straight which effectively ended his challenge.

The Stewards interviewed H. Morgan, rider of Show And Go concerning his use of the whip after jumping the final hurdle when out of contention. 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 H. Morgan was in breach of R10(3)(b) by unnecessarily hitting his mount after its chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having taken his previous record into consideration the Stewards suspended H. Morgan for 1 raceday.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes