Linehan gets another good tune out of Mandarin

In the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Rated Race Mandarin Monarch popped up to land a bit of a punt — 10/1 into 7/1 — for trainer Andrew McNamara and jockey Denis Linehan.

The second event at Dundalk this evening, run over a mile and a half, saw Uncle Henry (2/1 favourite) and Alcander (9/4) dominate the pre-race chat.

However ultimately they could only manage fifth and seventh places respectively as Mandarin Monarch finished best down the outer for a three parts of a length verdict over Wrap Star

Rider of 25/1 shot Wrap Star, Conor McGovern, was narrowly missing out on a double, having ridden opening race victor, Catchy Lass

"Denis seems to get on well with him. He's ridden him three times, been second on him and won on him twice," said McNamara.

"Riding him that way seems to suit as he likes coming by a few. We'll probably give him a little break now and go hurdling for the summer. He's handicapped and had a couple of runs last year.

"We had intended to go hurdling for the summer last year but he had a travelling incident coming home from Naas one day. We'll give it a go this summer instead."

There was no alteration to the result after a steward's enquiry.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference about one furlong from the finish involving Alcander (FR), ridden by W.J. Lee, unplaced, Mandarin Monarch, ridden by D.P. Linehan, placed first and Kuraka (GB), ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed third, where it appeared that Kuraka (GB) ran short of room.

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 Judges placings'.

They did, however, consider that D.P. Linehan had caused interference by riding carelessly and suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration.

(GC & EM)