Gallagher nurses Thunder back for a win

The Sean Gallagher-owned and Ado McGuinness-trained Sounds Of Thunder defied top-weight when just holding on under 'Wango' Moore in the Shelbourne FC Race Day Celebrating 120 Years Today Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Fortunes swayed one way and another over the final couple of flights but Sounds Of Thunder eventually held on by a nose from Afram Blue (not fluent last). Bective Cave was in front when making a mistake two out and he faded into fifth at the end.

Unfortunately we lost three of them at the first in this two and a half miler - Day Day (Mark Walsh stood down, sore, from his ride in the next), See Me Here and Charlotte's Chum and that flight was bypassed next time round.

"I thought she was beat," admitted McGuinness.

He added: "She has run some good solid races this year, and I'd say good ground is the key to her.

"She had a bad accident a few years ago, and I'm delighted for Sean (Gallagher, owner) as he's nursed her back. She may have a run somewhere in England on good ground."

The Stewards interviewed J.M. Moore, rider of Sounds Of Thunder (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found J.M. Moore in breach of Reg 10 3.(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.

The Stewards interviewed J.P. Byrne, rider of Afram Blue (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found J.P. Byrne in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) (excessive frequency) and Regulation 10. 4. by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and having taken his record into account the Stewards suspended him for one race day.

Niall Moran, trainer of Grey Mountain Mist reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was found to have pulled a hind shoe and to have sustained a cut to his near fore on post race examination.

(AM & EM)