Londonofficecallin prevails in bunch finish

Londonofficecallin made it four wins from six starts since joining Eric McNamara, as he prevailed by three-parts-of-a-length in a bunch finish to the Follow @ToteRacing On Twitter Handicap Hurdle.

A decisive 16-length victor over flights at Punchestown in June, the six-year-old son of Alhebayeb since struck twice on the level, finishing fourth of 21 on his most recent start at the Curragh.

Sent off the 5/2 favourite this afternoon, the likeable grey was never far from the pace under McNamara's son Conor and was second when blundering six out.

In a share of the lead before two out, where he jumped left, he was ridden and gained a narrow lead on the approach to the last, where he again jumped left, ultimately staying on best from there to score in the colours of the In Bounds Syndicate.

Just over two-lengths separated the first six home, with Toor Moon (20/1) and Pour The Wine (22/1) in second and third respectively.

"He has been a lovely and lucky horse. He jumped green enough and made a bad mistake with a circuit to race, even though he didn't lose momentum he was too brave," the winning handler commented.

"He showed today that he gets 2m 6f but was also too keen and I think he will be better coming back to 2m 4f. Going forward it is good to know that if there is a nice race over this distance that he could certainly go for it.

"He has a bit of pace, hence why he has won over 1m 4f on the flat but he doesn't want the ground any softer than this."

STEWARDS REPORTS

C.P. McNamara, rider of Londonofficecallin, trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left up the straight.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference jumping the last hurdle involving Old Chap, ridden by J.G. Gilligan, placed sixth, Londonofficecallin, ridden by C.P. McNamara, placed first, Walk Out, ridden by A.P. Kelly, placed fourth, and Toor Moon, ridden by C. Brassil, placed second, where it appeared Londonofficecallin jumped left causing interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.G. Gilligan stated that he recieved a bump from his right. C.P. McNamara stated that he was trying his best to keep his mount straight when he jumped left at the last. A.P. Kelly stated he felt pressure from his right. C. Brassil stated he received a bump but didn't have to stop riding. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Steward made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action.

Paul John Gilligan, trainer of Old Chap, reported to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer that his charge had a graze on his right hind and was lame post race.

M.P. O'Connor, rider of Nicoles Getaway, trained by Sean Aherne, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly and pulled up.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes