Donovan guides Father Jed to a ninth career win

Father Jed registered a ninth career win and a third at Ballinrobe, as he bounced back to form in the second divide of the Sweeney Oil Handicap Hurdle.

The John Ryan-trained twelve-year-old had failed to make an impact in recent starts and was well-beaten over fences at Kilbeggan on Friday.

Turned out again quickly, the son of Kutub was sent off at 20/1 and was settled in rear by Philip Donovan, making good headway between the third and second last flights.

Sent to the front on the approach to the last, the bay victor soon went a few lengths clear and was ridden out on the run-in, coming home two-and-three-parts of a length to the good.

Returned the 5/2 favourite (from 7/2), No Thanks finished second, while Sarah's Soldier (10/1) was three-parts of a length away in third.

"My daughter Gillian owns him now and another daughter Isobel is leading him up this evening. He's a real family horse," Ryan commented.

"Philip gave him a peach. He's living only a few miles from me. Since he came back from England he's been with me and has ridden plenty of winners.

"He probably needed his first couple of runs this year and had dropped down to a winnable mark. He might be able to pick up another one and he can go back over fences as well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the start of this race where Treyarnon Bay was detached from the other runners when the race started. Evidence was heard from Mr Derek Cullen, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, John Joseph Hanlon, trainer, and Jody McGarvey, rider of Treyarnon Bay. In his evidence, Mr Derek Cullen stated that the trainer had discussed the temperament of his charge prior to this race with an emphasis on her tendency to possibly kick other runners at the start. He added that it was discussed that the filly would walk in last on the far side of the track and walk down towards the other runners before joining them and starting. He described the difficulty that was encountered in trying to get the animal to the start with the rider dismounting on a few occasions, a handler offering assistance and finally her reluctant tendencies. He explained that he was observant of the filly walking in behind the runners and breaking into a canter to join at the back of the field of runners. John Joseph Hanlon expressed his dissatisfaction with the starting procedure in this instance. Jody McGarvey stated that his mount got upset in the parade ring, was reluctant to go to the start and was generally tricky. Having considered all the evidence, the Raceday Stewards informed John Joseph Hanlon that a repeat performance of a similar behaviour by Treyarnon Bay any time in the future could render her liable to a suspension.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from John Patrick Ryan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Father Jed, placed first, as compared with its recent form. John Patrick Ryan stated that his charge had previously won here on two occasions and had a liking for the course. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan