Jack provides Fitzgerald with welcome boost

Ryback Jack landed a gamble in the bumper at Limerick this afternoon, the King John´s Castle INH Flat Race, scoring under Finian Maguire for Davy Fitzgerald.

Available at 16/1 in a place this morning the seven-year-old son of Garuda opened on-course at just 8/1, the price which he was returned.

Settled in second he improved to lead over six furlong out and while he was strongly pressed approaching the straight he pulled out more when ridden over a furlong out, keeping on well to score by a length and a half. Toushan (25/1) ran on well to finish second under Pat Foley for his father Tom, while Lets High Five It (33/1) was a further half a length back in third under John O'Neill for his father Ronnie. Roconga was sent off the 9/4 favourite but he could only manage eighth under Kevin Power for Edward O'Grady.

Davy Fitzgerald said afterwards: "That was long overdue for him and is a welcome tonic for us as we buried my mother Delia, who was originally from Listowel, just four days ago.

"This horse wasn't broken until he was a five year old but I named him 'Jack' after Pearly Jack as I always thought he was a similar horse and I think he has a future.

"I think we bumped into one at Navan the last day and today was his last run in a bumper and he'll go jumping straight away."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed Mr M.J. O'Connor, rider of Shrewdoperator, trained by P.J. Rothwell, who appeared on the alert sheet following a fall in a Point to Point on December 14th. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and from Dr. Tom Purcell, Medical Officer. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club for further investigation, informed the rider that he would be unable to fulfill his riding engagement today and would have to be reaccessed by Dr. Adrian McGoldrick, Chief Turf Club Medical Officer, before been declared to ride again.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Ryback Jack, ridden by Mr F. Maguire, placed first and Toushan, ridden by Mr P.T. Foley, placed second, where it appeared Toushan ran short of room and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no action other than to advise Mr. F. Maguire to ride with more care in the future.

Mr K.E. Power, rider of Roconga, trained by E. J. O'Grady, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount did not act on the ground.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes