Favourite backers get it Spot On in the first

Black Spot On proved game from the front when justifying favouritism under Mattie Bowes in the opening Daily Mirror Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

Both Bowes on the 'jolly' and Paul Carberry on Tulsa Jack looked like they'd kept something in reserve for the closing stages of this two miler.

Neither had played their cards from the third last but from the next it looked like Tulsa Jack might be able to edge past.

However Black Spot On got good jumps when he needed them and then just wouldn't yield on the run-in as he prevailed by a neck with a fourteen length gap back to Odit in third.

Second favourite Merrion Row meanwhile, departed at around the halfway stage. Bowes explained: "He had the form – he's run in some good maidens against horses rated 120 plus.

"He was well in today – he had eleven four on his back and I took five off.

"He put his head down and battled and he'll stay a bit further.

"It's great for John (Woods), he's a small trainer in Armagh. I'm living near Armagh now myself."

For his part winning trainer John Woods said: "He's been running well and he's met some very decent horses. He'll mix it on the flat and over hurdles now.

"That's my first winner for a couple of years."

E. D. Delany, trainer of Haleniya reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge burst a blood vessel.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Apisata (GER),placed fifth, ridden by S.D. Torrens, and trained by Mervyn Torrens. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. S.D. Torrens, stated that this was his first ride over hurdles and he was instructed to jump out and get his mount to settle, give her plenty of daylight at her hurdles, get around safely and to do his best. He described his riding by claiming that he had ridden to instructions after his mount had settled having run keenly early on. He added that his mount travelled well on the uphill run but began to come back under him when racing downhill. He claimed that from that point that he nudged his mount along and she kept galloping but overall he felt that both his mount and himself tired in the closing stages and he rode as best as he could in the circumstances. He did admit that he was capable of riding stronger and a third place finish should have been attained. Mervyn Torrens, trainer, confirmed the riding instructions and added that he was satisfied that they were being carried out to a point but felt that a strong hands and heels ride from the second last hurdle would have possibly attained third place. In reference to the lack of use of the whip, the trainer felt that hands and heels would be more beneficial than relying on the whip in view of the riders inexperience. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Apisata(GER) was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation of Mervyn Torrens. They were, however, satisfied that S.D. Torrens was in breach of rule 212(a)(1) by failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his horse was given a full opportunity to win or of obtaining the best possible place and consequently suspended him for 7 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. The Stewards also instructed S.D. Torrens to attend R.A.C.E for 2 days to improve his level of fitness and his race riding technique. .

The Stewards enquired from A.P. Heslin, rider, as to the reason why his mount Celtic Bright jumped a hurdle prior to the start of this race. A.P. Heskin admitted the offence but claimed that his mount was a little keen going to the start and could not be restrained despite the slow pace that he approached the hurdle and in view of the animals inexperience he allowed him to pop the hurdle rather than allow him to halt quickly on the take off side. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that A.P. Heskin was in breach of rule 205(ii) by allowing his mount to jump a hurdle prior to the start of this race and consequently severely cautioned him concerning his responsibility in this regard.

(MG & EM)