Middlebrow another for Doyle

Liz Doyle recorded her second winner in as many days as Middlebrow took the last at Ballinrobe, the Harrington Concrete Quarries INH Flat Race.

A faller on his debut at Lingstown in November, the five-year-old son of Oscar finished a well-beaten second on his next start at Horse And Jockey.

As short as 6/1 last night he proved easy to back today, and went off a 12/1 chance in the colours of Dr John O'Connor (father of former rider, and now bloodstock agent Matt).

Settled in mid-division by Barry O'Neill, he travelled well and improved into second with under three furlongs to race.

He cruised to the front a furlong out but soon came under pressure as Dounikos (7/1) threw down his challenge on the outer.

Middlebrow responded well to pressure inside the final furlong and kept on well to hold off the challenge of Dounikos and Katie Walsh by half a length. Slippery Serpent who attempted to make all, finished five lengths back in third under Kevin Power for Edward O'Grady at 5/1. Polymath was sent off the well-backed 3/1 favourite (from 11/2 on-course) and he finished a disappointing fifth under Luke McGuinness for Gordon Elliott.

The Willie Mullins trained Miguel Angel was the early morning favourite but he proved easy to back on-course and finished a well-beaten sixth.

Liz Doyle, who was on the mark with Derulo at Down Royal yesterday, said afterwards: "He didn't stay in his point-to-points. He was the winner there at the third and even second last but didn't get home.

"He's always worked brilliant and I asked the owner if I could have a crack at a bumper with him so thankfully it's worked out.

"He's entered in the sales in Doncaster."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed Mary Nugent, Authorised Representative of Gordon Elliott, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Polymath. Evidence was heard from the authorised representative who stated that they had seven runners today and six riding arrangements had been put in place by the Riders Agents acting for the professional riders but the secretary was not working yesterday as the office was closed being a bank holiday and the nomination of Mr L.J. McGuinness was missed. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards cautioned Gordon Elliot concerning his future responsibility in this regard and allowed the nomination of rider.

Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Daggio trained by John Neilan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having hung to the left under pressure and stopped quickly.

The Stewards interviewed Ms K. Walsh, rider of Dounikos (FR), concerning her use of the whip in the latter 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 Ms K. Walsh was in breach of R10(3)(e) by hitting her horse other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters and therefore suspended her for 2 racedays having taken her previous record into consideration. Mr Derek Pugh, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Miguel Angel (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy