O'Regan 'at his best' as Arcadian lands valuable prize

Arcadian Sunrise landed the valuable Guinness Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Denis O'Regan for John and Miriam Queally.

Last seen finishing third on the level at the Curragh, the seven-year-old son of Arcadio was sent off a 5/1 chance this evening.

Settled in mid-division by O'Regan, the bay victor took closer order from two out and came with his challenge at the last.

He had a good battle with Bua Boy and Denis Hogan inside the final 150 yards, getting up top in the closing stages, going on to prevail by half-a-length.

The runner-up, who was well-backed from early shows off 33/1, was ridden to the front from the second last but ultimately couldn't hold off the winner.

The front pair went five lengths clear of The Little Yank (8/1) in third, while Goulane Chosen (50/1) was another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in fourth. Flying Scotsman was sent off the 4/1 favourite (from 6s) and he finished ninth.

John Queally said in the aftermath: "We were disappointed not to get into the Galway Hurdle (second reserve) so it was great to win today and he has only been out of the frame twice in fourteen runs. He has been a lucky horse for us.

"Denis was at his best there. They went a bit steady early on but a good run two miles is his job.

"He'll go up a bit for that again and there's always the chasing route and also the flat route. There's a two-mile flat handicap for him in York but is 18 days away so might come too soon. He'll mix it and has his job done."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed D.G. Hogan, rider of Bua Boy, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D.G. Hogan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record they suspended him for 1 raceday. Chairman of the Stewards Mr. M.C. Hickey absented himself from this enquiry and Mr. Peter. M. Allen, Acting Steward, acted as Chairman.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes