Not-unbacked Al C wins race where major plunge goes astray

Pre-race the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Twitter Handicap Hurdle (division two) was all about Classic Escape (25/1 into 4/1 joint favourite). However it was Shanroe Al C that stole the show in contest four at Greenmount Park.

The aforementioned Denis Hogan plunge didn't appear to have any excuses and eventually the Golan gelding finished fifth, whilst at the head of affairs Shanroe Al C accounted for Fu's Island by two lengths.

Shanroe Al C for Karl Thorton and Donagh Meyler had his backers too, going off a 16/1 shot having opened at 20s on track. Bigger prices were reportedly availed of earlier.

Shanroe Al C was supplementing point-to-point gains accrued around this time last year and Thornton said: "It wasn't a surprise as he is a grand horse who is going the right way and won his point to point.

"He'll be a nice chaser next year and anything he does over hurdles will be a bonus. He is a bit lazy and runs behind the bridle but he does it easy enough. He'll have a break now and as long as the ground doesn't go too quick he could run again before the summer."

The Stewards requested a report from Karl Thornton, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Shanroe Al C, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Mr. Thornton reported that the step up in distance and the better ground conditions helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Miss Mcilroy trained by G.T.Lynch was found to have blood at the nostrils.

The Stewards interviewed C.J. Orr, rider of Northern Emperor concerning his use of the whip in the closing 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 of the opinion that C.J. Orr was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned C.J. Orr.

(TW & EM)