Bentelimar survives stumble and stewards

Bentelimar had to survive a stumble and a stewards enquiry to land the Ryanair EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Shay Barry-trained gelding was making his move when stumbling before the turn in in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

Luke Dempsey sat tight and produced him with a run going to the final flight.

Leader Jimmy Two Times crashed out at the last and Bentelimar dug deep on the run-in to get the better of Sir Abbot by a length.

The pair came close in the closing stages with the 10/1 winner leaning in but after a stewards enquiry the result stood.

"It's great to come here with a chance and great to get a winner," said Barry.

"He had a good run in Navan but got a bit tired as he had missed a bit of work. The plan was today and Luke gave him a great ride. He's difficult as he can be keen.

"I have to thank the owner and thank Philip (Fenton) who put him my way after what happened.

"He's tough and he stays well. It was a great ride from Luke as he didn't panic (after stumbling before the bend)."

The Stewards enquired into two instances of possible interference from the turn into the straight involving Bentelimar, ridden by L.P. Dempsey, placed first and Sir Abbot, ridden by A.P. McCoy, placed second, where it appeared in the first incident that Bentelimar caught a heel off Sir Abbot and in the second incident close home where Sir Abbot ran short of room on the rails. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings. The Stewards however were of the opinion that L.P. Dempsey was in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his record into account suspended him for two race days.

The Stewards interviewed L.P. Dempsey, rider of Bentelimar, concerning his use of the whip in 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 L.P. Dempsey was in breach of Regulation 10 3(e) by using his

whip other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.