Fit For Function a 5th winning favourite at Dundalk

Joe Murphy and Gary Carroll combined for success in the Easter Week Racing 15th & 19th April Handicap with 11/4 favourite Fit For Function at Dundalk.

The winner was always prominent and he was second at the halfway point.

Carroll asked for more early in the straight and his mount soon led.

Fit For Function was ridden under two furlongs out. Strongly pressed a furlong out, the victor kept on well in the final hundred yards to triumph by half a length from Major Power

“He's back down to a mark he can win off and it’s as simple as that,” said the trainer's son and namesake.

“He's a solid little horse and when he's handicapped to win he wins. Gary gave him a good ride and kept it nice and simple.

“He wasn't winning out of turn. We always thought five was a bit sharp for him but the way he stayed on the last day you'd think a stiff five or five-and-a-half at Navan, when the ground dries up, might suit him.

“We're glad to get it because, who knows, racing mightn't be on next week so it's nice to get on the board anyway.”

R.P. Cleary, rider of Tanseeq (GB) trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got badly hampered leaving the stalls.

The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving the stalls involving Flarepath (GB), ridden by W.J. Lee, Tanseeq (GB), ridden by R.P. Cleary, Red Cymbal (GB), ridden by C.J. McGovern and Eacharn ridden by B.M. Coen, where it appeared that interference may have occurred.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that C.J. McGovern was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard, suspended him for 2 racedays.

D.E. Sheehy, rider of Iseebreeze trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount reared up in the stalls and was slowly away.

(GC & EM)