Four Country Roads driven home by Moloney

Four Country Roads went one place better than last year when surging home to nail Sanibel Island in the three mile handicap.

He was fully fourth and looked beaten at the last, however, Diarmuid Moloney conjured up a storming finish from the nine-year-old gelding to force a photograph with Sanibel Island.

The 14/1 shot, from double that price this morning, got the decision by a head from the gallant 11/2 runner-up. Diegos Way (5/1) was a length and a half back in third.

Handler Brian McMahon said: "I'm delighted, I thought he was going to be pulled up with a mile to run.

“He travelled away but, when he finds nothing, he finds absolutely nothing. For once in his life he dug in and Diarmuid has given him a savage ride. I'm delighted for Diarmuid as well.

“We'll enjoy this because it does be a long time between drinks with him.”

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Brian M. McMahon, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Four Country Roads, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Brian M. McMahon, trainer stated that his charge had ran well on his previous run at this track and favours a galloping track also. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D. Moloney, rider of Four Country Roads, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, D. Moloney stated that his mount was responding well to the whip and he lost count in a good finish. He apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that D. Moloney was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards suspended D. Moloney for four racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson