Never Mistabeat a revelation in 1st time blinkers

Division one of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap was turned into a procession by 28/1 chance and bottom-weight Never Mistabeat

In the hands of Wayne Lordan for Park Hill Racing and Jarlath Fahey, the Elzaam gelding seemed to benefit from the addition of blinkers as he sluiced up by five and a half lengths from Arctic Blaze

The gambled-on Rita Levi (22/1 into 13/2) could manage only eighth place.

“I’m delighted with that. Park Hill Racing is run by Ronan Whelan’s first cousin Jamie Whelan and they have been very patient with the horses," said Fahey.

“He’s been very slow to progress mentally and the blinkers today worked a treat on him.

“He’s probably done it too well but we don’t mind and we’ve been chasing a winner for a long time. The lads will be thrilled. It’s a pity they can’t be here but it’s great to get a first win for the syndicate.

“We had cheek pieces on him the last day and Adam Farragher rode him and said I’d go blinkers the next day as he was still a bit lairy. We told Wayne to give him a good, strong, forceful ride and it worked well.

“He’s been doing things better on the gallops at home than on the racecourse. He sort of falls asleep when he comes racing. It all came right tonight and hopefully there is another day in him.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the first bend involving Rita Levi, ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced, Sharjah ridden by A.J. Slattery, placed fourth, Arctic Blaze, ridden by S. Foley, placed second, Ragtime Red ridden by Annalise Cullen, unplaced and Getgo (GB), ridden by G.P. Brouder, unplaced, where it appeared that Ragtime Red ran short of room and clipped heels. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that A. J. Slattery was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered A. J. Slattery's record in this regard the Stewards suspended A. J. Slattery for four racedays. Annalise Cullen was accompanied at this enquiry by Denis W. Cullen.

S.M. Crosse, rider of Merroir trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left in the straight.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Rita Levi trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got a little tight for room at the first bend.

Annalise Cullen, rider of Ragtime Red trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount was badly hampered at the first bend.

The Stewards requested a report from Jarlath P. Fahey, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Never Mistabeat, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Jarlath P. Fahy stated his charge can be quite lazy and that he had tried cheek pieces previously, which made little difference, but the application of first time blinkers today had the desired effect and had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.

(AM & EM)