Jewel rattles through the Guinness again

He won this race last year for Joseph O’Brien and Rattling Jewel returned to Listowel to triumph in the 2019 edition of the Guinness Handicap for James Lambe.

Second twelve months back, Ecoeye was third this time, as 13/2 favourite Sagittarius Rising came home well to take the silver medal spot, a neck off the victor.

Rattling Jewel came back to form at odds of 14/1 under Gavin Ryan and Lambe reflected: "This was always the plan to come here for this four year old and upwards handicap but he had been disappointing all the way through the season.

"He has been very disappointing and basically this was the last throw of the dice. He had a good 7lbs claimer and I happened to see this race and thought the track and ground would suit.

"It was a weak race and I had a good draw.

"I came down last night and it took six and a half hours. Listowel has been very lucky for me and the last horse I sent here, Hunting Tower, won under Ruby Walsh. I'll certainly not be making a habit of it though!"

W.J. Lee, rider of Outside Inside trained by Jack W. Davison, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount missed a kick during this race.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Count Of Carabass trained by Miss Hilary McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped awkwardly from stalls.

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Rattling Jewel (GB), trained by J.J.Lambe, placed first, compared with its recent form. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that his charge won this race last year and today he had a very capable 7 lb claiming rider on board. J.J. Lambe stated that his charge has not won since last year and since then he has had mixed form, he has tried different forms of headgear, which have not worked, and he has not been able to establish consistent running tactics. Regarding today's run, there was an ease in the ground which suited his charge, he had dispensed with all headgear and this combined with a favourable draw helped to bring about an improvement in form. J.J. Lambe also added that he has changed horse feed in the last week which may also have been beneficial to his charge. Evidence was also heard from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Rules of Racing Handicapper, Mr. G. O'Gorman, who stated that Rattling Jewel has been dropped 20lbs in the last year and he noted that on previous runs he has started slowly compared with today's run where he was pushed on more prominently from the start. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(TW & EM)