Deserved win for Dutch in Wexford opener

Dutch Schultz deservedly made the breakthrough over flights, taking the opener at Wexford this evening, the Think Print & Design Maiden Hurdle.

A runner-up at Bellewstown early last month, the Gavin Cromwell trained six-year-old since finished a respectable eighth of 20 in the valuable Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap at Galway.

Available at 5/1 in early shows for this two-mile contest, the Golden Horn bay eventually went off a 9/4 chance under Keith Donoghue for the Over The Sticks Syndicate.

Settled behind the leaders and closer in second approaching four out, he was pushed along to challenge on the run to the penultimate obstacle.

Soon in front, he kept on well when ridden on the run-in, comfortably holding off the running on Pickanumber (33/1) by two lengths.

Returned the 5/6 favourite, River Tara who led for most, was another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third under Paul Townend.

"It probably wasn’t the strongest of races," Donoghue remarked.

"He had been knocking on the door in a few maiden hurdles and had been disappointing in a few as well. He deserved to get his head in front.

"He kept at it well there and will probably get further. I'd imagine Gavin will look for a rated novice for him, he'll just try to find a winnable race.

"He is versatile in terms of ground."

STEWARDS REPORTS

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Dutch Schultz (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was jumped into at the first.

G.B. Noonan, rider of Dark Image (GB), trained by Eoin Christopher McCarthy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered and went out through the rail.

P. Townend, rider of River Tara, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount tried to refuse at the first, resulting in it jumping violently left.

B.W. Harvey, rider of Duleek Street trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped left at the first.

Shane Fenelon, rider of Pickanumber, trained by Peter Croke, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was badly hampered at the first.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident at the back of the first involving Dutch Schultz (GB), ridden by K.M. Donoghue, placed first, Dark Image (GB), ridden by G.B. Noonan, who pulled up, and Duleek Street, ridden by B.W. Harvey, placed fifth where it appeared Dark Image went out through the rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. K. M. Donoghue stated that the horses in front jumped left causing him and the horse on his outer to jump left. G. B. Noonan stated that he received a bump in the air and went out through the rails on landing. B. W. Harvey stated that his mount jumped left. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.