Career best season for Hayes, as Russian lands a gamble

Russian Campaign landed a gamble in the irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap, scoring under Chris Hayes for Kevin Prendergast.

Having performed with credit in maiden company, the daughter of Declaration Of War finished fifth on her handicap debut at Navan, before disappointing on her most recent effort on soft to heavy at Gowran.

Sent off at 6/1, having opened on-course at 16s, the bay victor raced in mid-division under Hayes, and was seventh on the approach to the straight.

She was soon pushed along on the outer, and came with her challenge from the furlong pole, hitting the front inside the final 150 yards before going on to score by three parts of a length. Natty Dresser (7/1 from 16s in early shows) stayed on well to take second under Gary Carroll for Sheila Lavery, while the 4/1 favourite Dubai Rainbow who ran around over a furlong out, was a neck back in third.

"That was nice. That's a career best season for me. It was nice to get it done on Lady O'Reilly's filly and for the boss," said Hayes.

"She's very genuine and we fancied her the last day. Leigh Roche rode her and said to try her on better ground so the boss stuck her in here. Thankfully she won.

"I think she's in the sales but they might get one more out of her before the year is out."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards requested a report from Kevin Prendergast, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Russian Campaign, placed first, as compared with its most recent form. John Sullivan, Authorised Representative for the trainer, reported that his charge was disadvantaged by the holding ground conditions on his previous run. He reported that the animal appeared to appreciate the all weather surface and felt this had brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Ancestral (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, Dubai Rainbow, ridden by D.E. Sheehy, placed third, Daubney's Dream ridden by R.C. Colgan, placed fifth, Proud And Elated (FR), ridden by S.M. Crosse, unplaced and Natty Dresser, ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed second, where it appeared interference had occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned in the presence of Damien Byrne, representing J.P. O'Brien, Master of S.M. Crosse. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings. They were, however, of the opinion that G.F. Carroll was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended G.F. Carroll for two racedays.

S. Foley, rider of Poetic Light (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped at the bottom of the straight.

S.M. Crosse, rider of Proud And Elated (FR) trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered about a furlong from the finish.

C.T. Keane, rider of Ancestral (GB), trained by G.M.Lyons, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount met with interference soon after the start.

The Stewards enquired into an incident after leaving the stalls involving Ancestral (GB), ridden by C.T. Keane, and Stealth (GB), ridden by K.J. Manning, where it appeared Ancestral (GB) ran short of room on the rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that K.J. Manning was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended K.J. Manning for 2 racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson