Patrolman brings 'Shark' back to number 1

Patrolman justified the faith of those that backed him from 8/1 (bigger this morning) into 5/1 joint favouritism for the Mid-Term Madness At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

The head victory for the well-bred American-bred was accomplished under very-promising apprentice Sean Corby and it got John 'Shark' Hanlon back among the winners at the Dowdallshill venue after a lengthy absence.

He said: "It's so long since I had a winner here that I don't know what it's like. I'd say it must be six years although to be fair I haven't had a lot of runners here.

"He was very unlucky last week. He had a bad draw and he was killed everywhere.

"He had a nice draw tonight and he gave him a great ride. He's a very good young chap and he has a good head.

"There's a mile and a half race for him now back here on Friday week.

"He's the lead horse for Hidden Cyclone and I bought him out of Darley for 400 Euros. He wants firm ground and he'll go jumping during the summer."

The Stewards interviewed R.P. Cleary, rider of General Bunching (USA), concerning his use of the whip in 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 the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.(GC & EM)