Cradle stays on best under McGarvey

Cradle Mountain came from last to first to land the Woodlands Hotel Adare Handicap Hurdle under Jody McGarvey for Joseph O'Brien.

Second to runaway winner Swamp Fox on his last start in the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel, the son of Mastercraftsman was sent off a 7/1 chance this afternoon.

Having raced towards rear, he received reminders after five out. He was ridden along in eleventh after the third last and took closer order from the next, staying on best from the last, going on to score by a length.

The front-running Ballyadam Brook finished second under David Splaine for Terence O'Brien at 9/1 (from 11's), while Rocky Court (25/1) was a length and a quarter back in third under Ambrose McCurtin on his first start for John Joe Walsh. Oighear Dubh was sent off the 6/1 favourite and he finished seventh under Donagh Meyler for Tony Martin. Nine Stiches who was backed from 16's this morning and from 14's to 8's on-course finished a disappointing tenth under Brian O'Connell for John Joe Walsh.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He knows plenty about the game and never travels or jumps but has plenty ability. It's nice to get him to win again and he'll go for something similar again."

Regarding his father's 1-2-3 in the Arc, he added: "It was unbelievable and you couldn't imagine it could happen.

"It's a funny track and the three of them were drawn all over the place and for it to happen for the three of them was just unbelievable.

"She has been second in nine Group 1's and when things fall right for her she is unbelievable - Ryan gave her a great ride.

"She was a bit unlucky last year but it was an Arc and every year there seems to be some unlucky ones.

"That's the reason Found was kept in training and that's the race she was kept for all along."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed J.S. McGarvey, rider of Cradle Mountain, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive force and frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended him for two racedays.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes