"Job done" for Waitaki

Drawn widest of the eleven in the six furlong Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Maiden, Waitaki (7/2) shed her maiden tag on outing number nine in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Maiden.

There was no arguing with Pat Smullen in the closing stages here, as he drove the victorious Invincible Spirit filly home by a neck and a short head from Almoner and Ellaria

Joe Higgins owns Waitaki and he bred the three-year-old as well at his Gerrardstown House Stud.

Smullen explained on Dermot Weld's charge: "She gets further than six furlongs and stuck at it well. She's well bred and that's a very important win for her. It's been a long time coming, and that's a case of job done.

"I am going to Hong Kong for a Jockeys Challenge on Wednesday and then on to Abu Dhabi for the National Day Cup next Sunday. I ride one in that for Dhruba Selvaratnam.

"Chris Hayes normally rides for him but he won't be back (from injury) for another few weeks."

The Stewards informed the representative of John Joseph Murphy, trainer that Abiquiu would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Stewards interviewed M.C. Hussey, rider of Almoner (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found M.C. Hussey in breach of Reg. 10 3.(f) and suspended the rider for two race days.

(AM & EM)