Count just prevails under Hayes for McLoughlin

Count Of Carabass got up on the line to take the first divide of the six furlong Cork Racecourse Handicap.

Successful on heavy ground at Listowel last September, the son of Ad Valorem finished fifth to Aspen Belle on his return to action over the course and distance last month.

The Hillary McLoughlin trained seven-year-old was available at 10/1 in early shows, but eventually went off the joint-favourite at 5/1.

Ridden by Chris Hayes, the bay victor looked in trouble in fifth a furlong out, but powered home in the closing stages, getting up on the line to deny Bay Of Skaill by a head.

The runner-up was returned at 9/1 under Gary Halpin for Joe Murphy, while 18/1 chance Althib was another length back in third for Danny Sheehy and Denis Hogan. Pillar was the other joint-favourite, and he finished a disappointing seventh.

McLoughlin, whose partner Martin Ferris recently retired from the saddle, said afterwards: "We were worried about the ground even though he has won on it before but he ran very well the last day when it was heavy ground here.

"He is so ground-versatile. On heavy ground they come back to him but on good ground they don't. He usually waits until October to win a race, so whatever he does now the pressure is off!

"He is in again at Sligo on Tuesday and if he's okay we might go."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Althib(GB), placed third, as compared with its recent form. M.J. Ferris, authorised representative for the trainer, reported that Althib (GB), had disappointed on the track since moving to the trainer despite showing plenty of ability at home. He felt his charge may have appreciated today's good ground and felt this had brought about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes