Fowler saddles first Flat winner with Agenda

Agenda (11/1) made her mark on Irish turf in the WILD YOUTH Apprentice Handicap over an extended mile and a half in Leopardstown.

This six-year-old mare had landed three races in France. This was her second start for Fowler having finished sixth at Roscommon last month.

Sean Bowen switched her out for daylight in fourth over a furlong out and the duo stayed on passing the furlong pole to nab Morph Speed (9/2) close home. Believe In Science was caught in the closing stages by Morph Speed and dropped to third at 13/2.

It was a red-letter day for trainer Lorna Fowler who said: “That's brilliant, it's my first Flat winner.

“She's really tough. The last day definitely brought her on a bit, she just needed to get back in the zone.

“7lb off her back definitely helped and it all worked. He rode a great race, got it dead on. She toughed it out, she does stay — that's her forte.

“She's in foal to Maxios and she's got until the end of July to run. 

"We were talking about putting her over hurdles but I don't know, we'll talk to the owners and see. Today is really great and I'm delighted to have my first Flat winner.”

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the first bend of this race involving Hazy Mehmory ridden by J. Kearney, unplaced, Morph Speed, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, placed second, Last Ammo ridden by J. Coen, placed fifth, Theophilos ridden by D.E. Sheehy, placed fourth, and Emperor Of Silk ridden by C.J. MacRedmond, unplaced, where it appeared interference took place. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, J. Kearney stated that he received pressure from his right which forced him inwards to the rail. C. Stone-Walsh stated that he received pressure from the right. D.E. Sheehy stated that he was aware of the interference and took back. J. Coen stated that he was edging inwards and felt he was clear. C.J. MacRedmond stated that he received pressure from the right and had to check. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found J. Coen, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays. Ms. E. O' Farrell accompanied C. Stone- Walsh, J. Coen and J. Kearney at this enquiry.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson