Honour makes "a grand start"

A big money yearling, and bought from Godolphin for 7,000 pounds last September, the well-bred Share The Honour made a winning debut in the Elusive Pimpernel Maiden at Dundalk.

Tony Martin's charge was a bit ponderous out of the gates for Pat Smullen, who then gave the Shamardal gelding a patient 'spin.'

Smullen had to switch around to get a run in the straight, and the victorious four-year-old was a bit green in front but he went on for a length and a quarter and a head win over Robe Of Honour (another son of Shamardal) and Pure Action (8/13 favourite, from 8/11 on track).

"You couldn't be happier. It's a grand start. They are a great bunch of lads (the Not Even Maybe Syndicate) that own him. They used to have Nearest The Pin and Hold The Pin with me," said Martin on the 9/2 victor.

"He was bought to go jumping and mix it. He wants top of the ground so we thought we'd start him off here before we go hurdling. He's schooled and can do both jobs."

The Stewards enquired into an incident at the first bend involving Pure Action, ridden by K.J. Manning, Robe Of Honour (USA), ridden by C.P. Hoban, and Amazing Mary ridden by R.P. Whelan, where it appeared Robe of Honour (USA) and Amazing Mary received interference.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. K.J. Manning stated that his mount failed to handle the bend and shifted to the outer causing interference to the horses outside him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards deemed the incident accidental in nature and took no further action.

(GC & EM)