Eastern Legend firmly in the shop window

Pinot Gris got worn down close home by Eastern legend who finished with a flourish in the concluding Jet, Peggy & Eamonn O‘Carroll Memorial Handicap in Listowel.

Pinto Gris was up in trip to an extended mile and six in his bid for a hat-trick after victories in Down Royal and Leopardstown and went for home a furlong and a-half down.

He had Eastern Legend hard at work in second at the furlong pole, but just tied up close home which enabled Eastern Legend and Luke McAteer to take aim and pass him in the final stride.

The 5/2 favourite got there by a head from the 7/2 runner-up.

Jim Bolger 's travelling head man, Ger Flynn, said: "That was great and Luke said he stays really well.

"We were stepping up in trip to 1m6f and the boss had him in an online sale and I told a few of the jumping lads to buy him. He handles soft ground, stays really well, so he would be an exciting prospect to go three-year-old hurdling. 

"He has enhanced his value and, as Luke said, he was coming now to do a job and was going on at the line."

The Raceday Stewards interviewed S. Foley, rider of third-placed Quiz Test concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he was in breach of R10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that S. Foley was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(excessive frequency) and having considered his record they suspended him for four racedays.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes