Cousin Harry deservedly gets his day

Having started his career in July 2019 Cousin Harry belatedly got off the mark on his 21st outing in the finale at Navan this afternoon, the Nobber Handicap Hurdle.

He hasn’t always enjoyed much luck in the past but it all came together for Philip Rothwell’s charge in the hands of Hugh Morgan here.

The 18/1 scorer, and Kasakh Noir had this to themselves from some way out and the Roc Racing Syndicate’s winner eventually got the best of the argument by two and a quarter lengths.

The third placer finished well — Clonbury Bridge two and three parts of a length back.

“I’m thrilled as he’s been placed a number of times and we tried to stay off winter ground and wait for it to get a bit better,” said Rothwell.

“Hugh gave him a great ride. He saw the other horse going on and he felt they hadn’t gone a great pace so he joined him.

“The horses are running great.”

The Stewards interviewed L.A. McKenna, rider of Kasakh Noir (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who acknowledged he used his whip with excessive frequency. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Tech Talk trained by J.T.R.Dreaper, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly down the back straight and pulled up.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Tech Talk, trained by J.T.R.Dreaper, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)