Odds-on Ligeti gets there in the end

Odds-on Ligeti (4/5) hit as high as 9/1 in running on the betting exchanges, but he justified his starting price in the end to land division one of the Ready Mixed Concrete Handicap at Dundalk.

Ana O'Brien rode a patient race from towards the rear on the Rip Van Winkle gelding, and though he made ground down the inner two furlongs out, it looked a stretch to think he'd get there to win.

Sixth a furlong and a half out, Ligeti got to second from the furlong pole and Joseph O'Brien's charge challenged inside the last.

The Michael Tabor-owned four-year-old led in the last hundred yards, keeping on well to beat Cristy's Call by half a length.

Ana O'Brien said afterwards: "He likes this surface, and is a lovely genuine horse."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Dandy Rock trained by T.Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race.

The Stewards enquired into an incident inside the final furlong involving Alterno ridden by K.J. Manning,unplaced, Ligeti, ridden by Anastasia O'Brien, placed first, Cristy's Call, ridden by R.P. Whelan, placed second and Ciankyle ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed fourth, where it appeared that Alterno ran short of room and had to check.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by R.P. Whelan riding carelessly and therefore suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his clean previous record into consideration.

(AM & EM)