Doyle delight as David rides first winner

The win of Beauforts Storm in the concluding Coolagown Stud INH Flat Race will live long in the memory for the Doyle family, with 17-year-old David Doyle registering his first success aboard the chestnut filly.

Trained by his father Tim and owned by his mother Claire, it was a real family affair for the Doyle clan who are based in Thurles, Co Tipperary.

After running a huge race to finish second on debut in the Curragh last month, the Gale Force Ten chestnut was well-fancied to go a place better this evening and was sent off the 5/2 favourite.

Settled towards rear, she made steady headway with six furlongs to race and cruised through to lead from the two furlong pole.

Soon sent on about her business, she was pushed out in the closing stages to see off Faux Fur and Shoot Champagne by half-a-length and a length respectively.

The runner-up was returned at 11/4 under Josh Williamson, while newcomer Shoot Champagne was a 7/1 chance, finishing strongly with Ray Barron aboard.

"This is a great day. David is only 17 but it was a while coming for him. He was always mad keen and racing is all he wants to do for now anyway," the winning handler revealed.

"She had a great first run and I was a bit worried about the ground as she handled the quick ground so well at the Curragh. She always showed us she was a decent filly and has a very high cruising speed.

"She idled at the Curragh and that's what beat her. I'd say she idled again in front today.

"If we get offered decent money she will be sold but I wouldn't mind holding her and going again. She could run on the flat as well and jumps well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards received a report from Ms. N. O' Connor, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that she was unable to positively identify Nothing Hectic trained by Miss Hilary McLoughlin. Evidence was heard from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer and the trainer's representative. Ms. N. O' Connor stated that on routine scanning with different scanners, a microchip could not be located and she was unable to identify the animal in accordance with the requirements of Rule 90. She added that the markings contained in the passport did not correspond with the filly presented. Mr Martin Ferris, Autorised representative of Miss Hilary McLoughlin, accepted the evidence of the IHRB Veterinary Officier and stated that the failure to identify Nothing Hectic at home was an oversight on the trainers part and apologised. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Nothing Hectic and referred the matter to a Senior Racing Official for further investigation.

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, Mr P.W. Gleeson, rider of Black Vega trained by John F. Gleeson, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount cliped a heel while turning for home.

Mr R.W. Barron, rider of Shoot Champagne, trained by C.Byrnes, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount suffered interference on the bend turning for home.

Mr P.W. Gleeson, rider of Black Vega, trained by John F. Gleeson, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was too keen in the early stages of this race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes