Bicycle cruises to bumper success

Blue Bicycle was an effortless winner of the concluding bumper at Gowran under a confident ride from Robbie McNamara.

The Steven Ryder-trained gelding could be called the winner from a long way out in the two-mile contest as he travelled sweetly under McNamara.

5/4 favourite Saluting was driven into the lead turning for home but had no answer when Blue Bicycle (10/3) swept past with two furlongs to run.

The American-bred didn't need to come off the bridle as he cruised to a four-and-a-half length success over Done And Dusted, who stayed on doggedly for second.

The winner, having his third outing, had been placed at Wexford last time but connections feel he is only now showing his true ability.

The winning trainer was absent as he was attending jockey Wayne Lordan's wedding but representative Louise Cooper-Joyce said afterwards:-

"He's a very decent horse and we think a lot of him.

"That's the way to ride him. Last time at Wexford another horse took him on from six furlongs out and he just had too much use made of him.

"We're excited about going jumping with him as he's an amazing jumper."

Kate Harrington was given a one-day ban for using her whip with excessive frequency on the beaten favourite.