Odds-on handicap 'good thing' Banagher makes his backers sweat

Division one of the Tramore Handicap Hurdle saw odds-on favourite Thatbeatsbanagher (8/13) exploit an official rating 24Ibs lower than his chase mark, though only by a very narrow margin.

In truth this could have went either way but on the bob of the heads Thatbeatsbanagher scrapped home under Darragh O’Keeffe, to credit owner J P McManus and trainer Enda Bolger with a success.

The margin of superiority from Naturally Blond was a short head and it was two and a half lengths back to Hopefully in third.

Unfortunately Shantelle sustained a serious injury going out on the last circuit.

As he’d done when winning over fences last time, on July 7th at Killarney, Thatbeatsbanagher was always to the fore with blinkers working well on the six-year-old for the second time.

The Stewards interviewed Mr M.C. O'Donovan, rider of Naturally Blond, 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 found Mr. M. C. O'Donovan in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g), excessive frequency. Having considered Mr. M. C. O'Donovan's record in this regard the Stewards suspended Mr. M. C. O'Donovan for three racedays.

(DM & EM)