Choill crashes out as Pier lunges late

The last obstacle claimed another victim today at Thurles with Lios A Choill crashing out at the final flight when well clear in the maiden hurdle.

In a scene similar to Big Secret s fall in the opening beginners chase Willie Mullins' charge fell with the race at his mercy.

Patrick Mullins had the 6/4f to the fore throughout and went on before the last to settle matters.

His exit left Shannon Spirit in the lead but he couldn't hold the late surge of The Pier who got up close home for a neck victory under Andrew McNamara. Marlos Moment also finished well in third, just a short-head behind.

"He was obviously fortunate but we think he will improve and he'll be better on better ground. He should also mature as an individual" said winning trainer Joe Murphy.

The winner appeared to travel keenly but Murphy had no concerns on that score:-

"Andrew said he was on the outside and took a hold of the bit. He was in his hands all the time but it was nothing to worry about." Rassi Maguire caught the attention of the stewards back in ninth and rider Andrew Thornton was hit with a four-day ban under the "non-trier rule".

The following is the Turf Club report into the incident:-

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Rassi Maguire, ridden by A P Thornton, and trained by Mr P Martin. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.

A Thornton, stated that he had ridden the horse previously & he was inclined to be quirky.His instructions were to be mid division, do his best but not to abuse the horse.

He felt that the horse had tired just over 3 furlongs out, he had given him a chance & then he had given him a squeeze & ridden him hands & heels in the straight but had been baulked slightly at the last.

He felt with a harder ride the horse would have put up its head & finished further back. Mr Martin confirmed the instructions & stated that this horse had had a history of a hock problems & was not a straightforward ride.

It had won twice at Dundalk & was flat bred but in his opinion the ground was not an issue. He was satisfied overall with todays ride but did concede that with a more determined ride might have finished a little closer.

He also felt that because of the weather over Christmas he might not have had Rassi Maguire as fit as he would have liked.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Rassi Maguire was post race normal.

Having viewed the video of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that both persons had breached Rule 212 and having also allowed for mitigating circumstances, the Stewards severely cautioned Mr Martin.

Furthermore the Stewards suspended A.P. Thornton for 4 racedays and also advised him that it would be more beneficial if he gave his evidence more in line with the facts in the future.