Dylan Johnston makes breakthrough with first win in the riding ranks

Ballyclare County Antrim owner/trainer Harry Smyth supplied Dublin native Dylan Johnston with his first success in the saddle in the Virtual Live Racing Handicap Hurdle (division two) aboard Willyouwalkwithme at Downpatrick.

You couldn’t take your eyes off this near the finish, with just about a length and a quarter covering the first five home.

Willyouwalkwithme held on by a nose from Master Cornwall with a neck to Boomtown Girl in third.

There was drama early with Alterno seeming to hit the rail, breaking it, and leaving Novano to trip over a stanchion. After slipping up Novano and his jockey Shane Fitzgerald were reportedly up okay later.

"That's his (Dylan Johnston) first winner. I told him I would get him a win. He knew where the line was and that's a good, wee horse,” said Smyth.

"His saddle slipped the last time.

"I thought he would win today as he has been going well at home and had run well here before.

"I would have thought there would be another day in him.

"I was one of the first ones to put up Rachael Blackmore and that's that wee fella’s first winner.

"I've only have three horses. As long as you keep it fun, you're not getting into trouble!"

The Stewards enquired into the fall of Novano, ridden by Shane Fitzgerald in the early stages of this race. Shane Fitzgerald reported that his mount leaned in, clipped the rail and fell independently. Having considered the evidence and viewed a recording of the race, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Stewards interviewed D.J. McInerney, rider of Master Cornwall, concerning his use of the whip in latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount kept responding and he lost count of his strikes. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that D.J. McInerney was in breach of R10.3(g)excessive frequency and considering his record in this regard, they suspended him for 4 racedays.

(MG & EM)