Bill has some smiling but not all

Noel Meade struck for the first time this week when Curley Bill took the big prize on the Friday night at Ballybrit, the Guinness Handicap.

His rider Fran Berry was bringing up a double having landed the first on Hidden Oasis Curley Bill came from off the pace and he headed the favourite Show Court a hundred and fifty yards from home.

He then held off the challenge of Bayan by a head.

Meade explained: "We haven't had many runners and the ground wouldn't have been suitable. It didn't suit this fella either and he got some ride.

"I'm delighted for a few different reasons. I sold him to a few fellas last spring before Punchestown and he ran badly after which they rang to say they weren't taking him.

"They didn't pay and I hope they're sore now; they know who they are!

"Philip and his brother 'Abbie' (sons of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds) bought him before he ran at the Curragh.

"I've never met Philip and we've only chatted on the phone so I'm delighted for him.

"He's a summer horse and he barely got away with the ground.

"He never travelled and Fran coaxed him into it. He's in again on Sunday (the Trappers Inn Maiden Hurdle) and we'll see how he is."

J.P. O’Brien, rider of Kingdom trained by A.P. O’Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly and lost his action in the straight.

A.P. O’Brien, trainer of Kingdom, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was lame post race.

The Stewards enquired into two separate incidents on the uphill run out of the dip, the first of these involving Plinth ridden by Anastasia O’Brien, placed fifth and Vedani ridden by L.F. Roche, unplaced, with the second incident on the turn into the straight involving Show Court, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed third and Kingdom, ridden by J.P. O’Brien, unplaced.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. A.P. O’Brien Master of Apprentice Jockey Anastasia O’Brien attended this enquiry.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards advised P.J. Smullen and Anastasia O’Brien to ride with more care in future.

(TW & EM)