Progressive Londonofficecallin brings up the hat-trick

Londonofficecallin has been a revelation this summer, with the Eric McNamara-trained six-year-old completing a hat-trick in the concluding Every Race Live From Killarney Only On Racing TV Handicap.

Well-backed when successful over flights on his second start for current connections at Punchestown last month, the son of Alhebayeb follow-up on the level at Down Royal.

Sent off the 7/2 favourite this evening, the grey gelding was the last to be loaded under Seamie Heffernan and was soon settled behind the leaders on the outer, racing mainly in third.

Pushed along over two furlongs from home and soon in a share of the lead with Barometer he gained an outright advantage from the furlong pole and kept on well from there to score by a-length-and-a quarter.

The Tony Martin-trained Belgoprince (9/1) ran on into second, while the aforementioned Barometer (11/2) was another half-a-length away in third.

"He has been a lucky horse and has gone the right way. He has options and can run on the flat or over hurdles and has a lot going for him. If he gets into a race at Galway it is very likely he will run.

"Feidhlim Cunningham (of the winning In Bounds Syndicate) worked in Gavin Cromwell's when my son Conor was in the yard and he is involved with a bunch of lads in the syndicate."

STEWARDS REPORTS

A.J. Slattery, rider of Chutzpal trained by Eoin Doyle, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount clipped heels soon after the start. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the start and were of the opinion that the incident was caused by Londonofficecallin going right from stall thirteen but were satisfied that no riding offence had occured and therefore took no further action.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.J.G. Ryan, rider of Belgoprince (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the home straight of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. J.J.G. Ryan accepted that he was in breach and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that J.J.G. Ryan was in breach of R.10.3(h) (The use of the whip with the arm above shoulder height) and considering his record in this regard they suspended him for four racedays.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes