Gowran double for Townend on improving Padraic

Paul Townend completed a Gowran double when delivering Padraic O Conaire with a well-timed challenge to land the Bring My Bike Handicap Hurdle.

This Mountain High gelding has really reached his potential this term for owners John Dunleavy and Jarlath McDonagh, and trainer Yvonne Dunleavy, and he was winning his third race since June here.

Earlier victorious for his boss Willie Mullins on Good Thyne Tara Townend got Padraic O Conaire into top gear from between the final couple of flights.

In the end the Galway horse got the better of local hope Balinaboola Steel by half a length.

"We've had a great year and that's his third win this year. I'd like to give special thanks to Martin Cullinane who is a great man to recommend a horse," said Mrs Dunleavy.

"We've minded him and given him a good bit of space between runs. If the ground stays like this we'll have another go but otherwise we'll put him away until next year."

The Stewards interviewed M.F. Mooney, rider of Glasson Lad 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(b) in that he had used his whip unnecessarily, after his chance of winning or being placed had clearly gone.

Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended M.F. Mooney for 3 racedays.

(AM & EM)