King's confidence in improving Area's well justified at Limerick

American raider Baltimore Bucko ran well to finish third but the BRC McMahon Reinforcements Rated Novice Hurdle at Limerick was dominated by 7/4 joint favourites with No Grey Area’s beating Blanketontheground by a length and a quarter.

Jonathan Sheppard ’s Baltimore Bucko was just a length and three parts back under Ger Galligan. He couldn’t quite cope with the sweet-travelling principals though.

Pa King gave Clonmel scorer No Grey Area’s a lovely patient steer for Martin Hassett, and the amateur rider said: “I tried to drop him in the last day but he ran away with me and he still managed to win. He just about settled today but he jumps so well and handles that ground.

“I tried to leave it as late as possible. You’d always be worried about that ground but he’s on the up all the time.

“The pace picked up from the third last. I was getting a bit crowded but I knew that I had plenty of horse and I rode for a bit of luck. He jumped the last well and went to the line well.

“He stays two and a half miles and will jump fences. He’s a horse with a good future.”

The Stewards interviewed Mr. P.A. King, rider of No Grey Area's concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. P.A. King was in breach of Regulation 10.3(i)(time to respond) and having considered his record they cautioned him on this occasion.

(AM & EM)