Mr Moondance doubles up at his local track

There was a second winning favourite in as many races at Sligo when local runner Mr Moondance made it two track wins in succession in the Callan Tansey Handicap Hurdle.

Mark McNiff ’s charge again made all, and he soon held a five-length advantage.

With a reduced advantage halfway, Kevin Brouder’s mount was pressed at the last.

Pushed out and keeping on well on the run-in, Mr Moondance cosily accounted for Benefit Run by half a length.

"He's a free-going horse. He has won in the past being held up but he seems to settle very well (in front) for Kevin (Brouder),” said McNiff.

"I was slightly concerned that the ground had gone a fraction slow. Even though it's still lovely ground the quicker the better for him to get him to last it out."

The Stewards interviewed L.P. Dempsey, rider of Benefit Run, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

In his evidence he stated that he had switched his whip to his left hand and hit his mount twice for corrective purposes to halt the drifting towards the stands.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards accepted that the two hits referred to were for corrective purposes and the remaining hits did not breach R10(3).

The Stewards did, however, remind L.P. Dempsey of his responsibility to comply with Rule 213 by reporting at first instance anything that may have affected his mounts performance.

(MN & EM)