Lightning really does strike twice

We haven't seen Johnny Murtagh on a winner since the middle of November. Of course he broke his collar-bone in a skiing accident in the meantime but the Meath-man returned to the number one spot at an opportune time as Sweet Lightning added to his 2011 Doncaster Lincoln win by triumphing in the Irish equivalent (backed by BetVictor) at the Curragh today.

This was easy for the victorious eight-year-old (the first to achieve the aforementioned double), coming off a break. The Fantastic Light gelding (backed in from as big as 16s into 10s), owned by Andrew Tinkler and trained by Tommy Carmody, stretched on from over a furlong out to beat outsider Cheval Rouge by three and a quarter lengths. Bold Thady Quill Inis Meain Macbeth and Ozeta grabbed their shares of the prize-money in third, fourth, fifth and sixth placings.

Carmody, who has 35 in training (nearly double his team from last term) explained: "He's progressing great and improved tremendously over the winter.

"He'll probably come back here in a couple of weeks for the Listed Alleged Stakes."

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Custom Cut, ridden by R.P.Whelan, Croi An Or, ridden by WM Lordan, Miracle Cure, ridden by K.J.Manning and Ansaab, ridden by C.D.Hayes.

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 C.D.Hayes had ridden carelessly (Rule 214) and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.

(AM & EM)