Meade delight at taking Tommy Carberry's race

Ificudiwud (8/1) survived a steward’s enquiry before being confirmed the winner of the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Noel Meade-trained victor made light of a 200-day absence under Eoin Walsh.

He drifted right on the run-in, impeding well-backed favourite Moyode Gold (9/2 into 3/1).

That was clearly far from ideal for the eventual second placed mare, but there wasn’t a huge surprise when Ificudiwud was confirmed the length and three parts winner.

After a second place on Barnaviddaun in the opener, the returning David Mullins had another good spin here on strong finishing third, Court Maid

“He was supposed to be going to the sales but when he won Michael (O'Leary, Gigginstown) said I could keep him to go chasing,” said Meade.

“We sent him home for a bit of a break after the summer because he wanted soft ground and it's taken me until now to get him ready. It was just niggly things that stopped him and slowed him down.

“He'll stay hurdling now this year and go jumping next season.

“It's great to win Tommy Carberry's race as he was one of my favourite people in life.”

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Ificudiwud, ridden by E. Walsh, placed first and Moyode Gold, ridden by G. Brouder, placed second, where it appeared that interference occurred.

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 and took no further action.

Mr. Peter Law absented himself from this enquiry.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Halsafari trained by Michael J. Bowe, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have lost his right fore shoe in running.

(GC & EM)