Dilemma springs a surprise under Donovan

The Tracey Collins trained Captains Dilemma sprang a 25/1 surprise in the TipperaryRaces.ie Apprentice Handicap, providing his rider Philip Donovan with his first winner of the season (fourth success overall).

The seven-year-old son of Captain Rio made all and he kept on well when ridden in the straight, going on to score by three parts of a length. Art Scene kept on well to take second at 16/1 under Ian Queally for Pat Flynn while Furacano was a further half a length back in third under Gary Phillips for Eoin McCarthy at 12/1.

Collins said afterwards: "He is a quirky horse. He is good on his day but only on his day. When he is in the mindsight and is right he is good.

"Philip gave him a peach of a ride, the horse is difficult in every way. He has to be lead to the start before every race and mentally he can’t handle the parade the ring. When he is wound up he can explode but Philip showed good horsemanship.

"He wants very fast ground and it suited him today. We will look for something similar next."

There was drama at the start with the 2/1 favourite Anner Queen being withdrawn after rearing up and unseating Tom Madden (escaped unscathed).

As a result a Rule 4 of 30 cent in the euro applies to all bets.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards informed A.J.Martin, trainer that Anner Queen, would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Stewards enquired into two incidents in the home straight, the first involving Right First (GB), ridden by Anastasia O'Brien, and Ghost Of A Girl ridden by D.C. Byrne where it appeared Ghost Of A Girl suffered interference, and the second incident involving Right First, and Gem Of Wisdom, ridden by D.M. Melia, where it appeared Gem Of Wisdom suffered interference.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned, in the presence of A.P. O'Brien, trainer and master of Anastasia O'Brien.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion Anastasia O'Brien was in breach of Rule 214 in that she had ridden carelessly and having taken her record into account, they suspended her for one raceday.

Anastasia O'Brien, rider of Right First (GB), trained by David Wachman, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her saddle slipped about 2 furlongs from home.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes