Belle bounces back to form under Roche

Aspen Belle recorded her third win of the year, as she bounced back to form in the Welcome To Naas Racecourse Handicap.

The Pat Martin trained bay was successful at Cork and Roscommon earlier in the season, but disappointed on her last three starts.

Available at 25/1 this morning, the daughter of Roderic O'Connor went off at 12s under Leigh Roche.

Towards rear in the early stages, she was pushed along from the two furlong pole, and still had plenty to do with a furlong to race.

She hit top gear in the closing stages, getting up in the shadow of the post to score by a head from Haqeeba (8s to 6s on-course) in second.

Declan McDonogh was aboard the runner-up for Liam Lennon, while Doonard Prince (4/1) was another half a length back in third with Killian Leonard in the saddle for Ross O'Sullivan.

Fairyhouse winner Truffles was sent off the 7/2 favourite, and she finished sixth with Gavin Ryan in the plate for Sheila Lavery.

Martin said afterwards: "The reason we came here is because Dundalk wouldn't be an option for her. This was the only game in town.

"Leigh always thought six was a bit short for her, so we said we'd take our time and drop her in. She's very hard on herself and lives on her nerves a bit.

"He gave her a lovely ride. They went very hard which played into her hands, and she loves a cut in the ground. It's a nice surprise when they do that.

"We might keep her in training next year. Tom (Brennan, owner) is in two minds but when things go right for her she's a right tool."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed K.J. Leonard, rider of Doonard Prince, 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 K.J. Leonard was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and therefore suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration. Mr Pierce G. Molony, Acting Steward, did not attend this enquiry.

The Stewards requested a report from Patrick Martin, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Aspen Belle, placed first, as compared with her recent form. Patrick Martin reported that Aspen Belle was a very fractious filly by nature whose best form appeared to be over seven furlongs. He said that L.F. Roche, rider, had reported to the Acting Stewards at Naas on the 26th July that his mount had lost her action during this race. He referred to her next run at Navan on the 8th October where she became very fractious before the race and then ran keen during the race before tiring, this being her first run in ten weeks. Finally, her most recent run at Fairyhouse on the 24th October the filly led about one and a half furlongs from the finish before stopping quickly on very heavy ground and carrying top weight of 10st. He concluded by saying that he was surprised with today's victory over the minimum trip of five furlongs. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report. Mr Pierce G. Molony, Acting Steward, was unavailable for the Stewards deliberations on this report.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee