Grande Waltz serves up a 33/1 surprise

No less than five horses held valid chances coming to the final furlong of Limerick's extended mile and three handicap (Division One) but it was Grande Waltz who found most to win.

Declan McDonogh drove him to the victory by a length and a quarter at odds of 33/1.

The places were occupied by 7/1 shots Bomber Jackson and Ask Katie in second and third and Nicotina (14/1) in fourth.

Trainer John Murphy said: "We had coughing for four or five weeks but he might have shown the benefit of six weeks off as he has strengthened up.

"He's as tough as teak and wants a cut in the ground. I'll try and find another handicap but he could be wanted by the jumping boys too and is for sale."

Grande Waltz wore cheekpieces for the first time today.

The Stewards interviewed D.E. Hogan, rider of Ask Katie, concerning his use of the whip in the last two furlongs 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 D.E. Hogan was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and also R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and consequently suspended him for three race days having taken his previous record into consideration.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes