Gold bounces back from Listowel flop

Dandys Gold bounced back from a disappointing run at Listowel, to land the Racing Again July 4th Handicap.

Having got off the mark on her eighth start at Limerick in April, the daughter of Dandy Man was a well-beaten seventh when joint-favourite on her next start at Listowel.

Sent off at 6/1 (available at 15/2 this morning) this afternoon, the Willie Fitzpatrick trained bay was pushed along from the stalls before settling behind the leaders under Dylan Hogan.

She was switched out and ridden to challenge from the two furlong pole, and soon hit the front, keeping on well from there to score by half a length in the colours of owner George Halford. Magwadiri (33/1) attempted to chase down the leader inside the final furlong, but he couldn't reel her in, and had to settle for second under Rory Cleary for Paul Deegan. Dinky Inty (16s this morning and from 7s to 6s on-course) was another length back in third with Billy Lee in the saddle for Tim Doyle. Betty Loch was sent off the 7/2 favourite, and she never looked like winning, finishing a disappointing eighth with Conor McGovern aboard for Mick Halford.

Willie Fitzpatrick said afterwards: "She's as good as Gold!

"Dylan is a big addition and rides her work too and I'm very happy with her. The draw in 12 didn't suit her at Listowel and she fought very well today.

"She's a good filly and I don't know where we'll run her next - I'll probably have a look on the way back to see what's coming up over the next couple of weeks."

STEWARDS REPORT

C.J. McGovern, rider of Betty Loch (GB), trained by M.Halford, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never got involved from the time they left the stalls and he niggled away at her throughout the race.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Betty Loch (GB), trained by M.Halford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards interviewed D.E. Hogan, rider of Dandys Gold, 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 the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(a), in that he had used his whip down the shoulder in the fore hand position. Having considered his previous record in this regard, the Stewards suspended him for one raceday.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes