Hunters provides Neilan with first track win

Galway trainer John Neilan recorded his first track winner as his Hunters Call took the bumper at Gowran, the Joe Bollard Memorial Flat Race, under Declan Queally.

The five-year-old son of Medaaly pulled up and ran out in two point-to-point starts but he put in a much improved effort on his racecourse debut, finishing fourth to Oathkeeper at Roscommon.

Stepped up to two and a half miles today he was sent off a 6/1 chance in the colours of Michael Ward.

Settled in mid-division the five-year-old gelding was sixth with a circuit to race.

He improved into third turning into the straight and was ridden to lead over a furlong out, keeping on well from there to score by two and a half lengths. Touch A Million was sent off the 2/1 favourite and he was badly bumped a furlong from home before keeping on to take second under Nina Carberry for Gordon Elliott. Kate Van Hall kept on well to take third, a further three parts of a length back, under Richie Kiely for Hillary McLoughlin at 12/1.

John Neilan who trains in Kilcolgan, Co Galway said afterwards: "That's my first winner on the track. I've had a good few in points over the years but wouldn't have many runners on the track.

"Today was the day and he stays well. I thought a lot of him in points but things just didn't work out for him."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Touch A Million, ridden by Ms N. Carberry, placed second and Fu's Island ridden by Mr B.J. Foley, unplaced. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr.B.J.Foley was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.

The Stewards interviewed Ms N. Carberry, rider of Touch A Million, concerning her use of the whip in 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(f), in that she used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered her record, suspended her for four race days.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee