Croaker proves the Boss

Boss Croaker came out on top following a terrific finish to division one of the three-mile Like Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle.

There were three horses virtually in a line passing the last, which was bypassed due to an incident in the previous race, and Philip Enright’s mount (14/1) found most on the run-in to deny Wellforth (20/1) by two and a half lengths with Sweet Runner (20/1) just a nose behind in third. Bothair Clei (7/1) completed the placings in fourth. A stewards enquiry was called into possible interference in the straight but the placings remained unaltered.

However Barry Cash, rider of Wellforth, was given a four day ban for improper riding as he appeared to elbow out the third placed horse.

Winning trainer Robert Tyner said, “He won his point-to-point at Dromahane but was a bit disappointing after that. He’s put it together there.”

Tyner inadvertently soaked one of the seven-strong winning syndicate from Clonakilty, Dr Colm Quirke, when attempting to cool down the winner with a bucket of water afterwards. The accident drew loud cheers from the crowd around the parade ring.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)