Fred another for red-hot McConnell

John McConnell saddled his third winner in as many days, and his ninth of the month, as Fred The Foot kept on strongly to take the Kerry Foods Handicap Hurdle.

Fourth when a well-backed favourite on his last start at Cork, the son of Scorpion was stepped up in trip to two mile six this evening.

Sent off an 11/2 chance under Mark Bolger (replacing Mark Enright), the bay gelding had a good battle with Kings War from before the last, but stayed on strongly under pressure in the closing stages, going on to score by two and a quarter lengths.

Kings War (22/1), who made up good ground from the rear, had to settle for second under Martin Mooney, while the well-backed 7/2 favourite (from 11/2) Racing Stripes was another three lengths back in third. Persian Wind (16/1) completed the placings in fourth.

McConnell said afterwards: "There was a couple of horses in it that looked like they might have something up their sleeve.

"He needed the run the last day in terms of experience. We found out that it was too short for him the last day.

"He doesn't do much on the bridle, he's very close to being off the bridle all the time but he keeps going which is a good thing in a horse I suppose. When he (Mark Bolger) needed him he picked up so I'm delighted with that.

"Scorpion's are very immature mentally but a lot of them are quite talented. He gets a bit of a bad reputation but I actually love the Scorpion's, I think they are genuine. They are just a bit quirky.

"He has still room to improve (in his jumping), it's only his second run in a handicap. He fluffed the last a bit. I'm happy there is room to improve and we are going to need it.

"Caroline Ahearn is a very loyal owner and has a few with me. It took me a long time to get a winner for her but now they are starting to come in."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards fined Oliver McKiernan, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Call Me Pj, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Call Me Pj in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (iv).

The Stewards interviewed M.F. Mooney, rider of King's War concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that M.F. Mooney was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g), in that he used his whip with his arm above shoulder height, and Regulation 10.4, in that he used his whip without giving his mount time to respond. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards suspended M.F. Mooney for three (3) racedays and ordered him to attend R.A.C.E for one (1) day's tuition on the correct use of the whip.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham