Ragin Cajun makes excellent start for Smith

On his first run since February 2019 and beginning for the Matthew Smith outfit Ragin Cajun stylishly landed the Lough Construction Ltd. Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal under Dillon Maxwell.

This race was marred by the fall of leader, Ahgetawayoutadat (badly injured) going to three out. He brought down Wherethewindsblow Thankfully the riders involved were up and reported relatively okay afterwards.

In first-time cheek-pieces Ragin Cajun (12s into 9s) prevailed in taking fashion by eight lengths from Electricitywork and Smith remarked: “He’s a horse that wouldn’t show you a whole lot at home, he’s quite lazy at home so it’s hard to judge him. That’s why we threw the cheek-pieces on him.

“It’s better that way when they don’t show much at home and do it on the track.

“Obviously it is his first run for a long time, we’ll see how he comes out of that and all being well we will kick on.

“I’m delighted for Dillon (Maxwell), he’s with me and he’s a hard worker.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Select Opportunity trained by Edward Cawley, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of Monsieur Bagot trained by Sarah Dawson, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Thimbleweed (GB) trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered by the faller.

A.W. Short, rider of Raleagh Flora (GB) trained by C.A.McBratney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered by the faller.

D.J. Hand, rider of Ahgetawayoutadat trained by E.Sheehy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was injured and came down.

P.D. Kennedy, rider of Wherethewindsblow (GB) trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was brought down by the injured horse.

The Stewards reviewed an incident approaching the third last flight where it appeared that two horses fell on the flat and several others were badly hampered. Having considered the reports form riders, D. J. Hand, A. W. Short, P. D. Kennedy and D. J. O'Keeffe and viewed the recording of the race, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference caused was accidental in nature and that no further action was warranted.

(MG & EM)