Digeanta takes finale but Fogarty suspended

The Willie Mullins trained Digeanta survived a Stewards' Enquiry before being confirmed the winner of the concluding Follow Leopardstown On Facebook (Q.R.) Maiden at Leopardstown today.

There was however a sting in the tail for winning jockey Mikey Fogarty as he subsequently received a five day suspension for causing interference to eventual third placed Storm Away inside the final furlong.

Fogarty had moved the son of Helissio to the front over a furlong out but then allowed the gelding drift left towards the inside running rail forcing Storm Away (which was within three parts of a length of Digenta) to stumble and lose momentum. Cullentry Royal eventually filled the runner-up spot.

Mullins was at Royal Ascot where his Simenon filled second spot in a famous Gold Cup but his representative Gary Davies later said “it was an open, competitive race but he (Digeanta) came here fit and well. Mikey had him in a lovely position all the way and he quickened nicely for him. He seemed to enjoy the ground here tonight.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee.