Rocco provides Motherway with first track success

Time To Rocco provided Colin Motherway with his first track success, as she ran out a good winner of the p2p.ie Mares Point-To-Point INH Flat Race.

Successful on her third start at Tinahely in February, the Shirocco five-year-old finished a good third on her racecourse debut at Cork on Easter Monday. Kates Hill was just a neck ahead of her at Cork and the pair couldn't be separated in the market this evening, as they went to post the 11/4 joint-favourites.

Settled in mid-division by Jamie Codd, the bay victor made good progress approaching the straight and soon got to the front.

She was ridden over a furlong from home and kept on well in the closing stages to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths in the colours of owner James Coleman.

Kates Hill finished second under Declan Lavery, while Kym Eyre (14s to 9s) was another four-and-a-half lengths back in third.

"She won her point-to-point well and then we said we'd go for the Cork bumper when it took her a while to find her feet over the two miles. When they quickened she got caught for a few strides but was flying at the line,” Motherway said.

"She has size and scope and is like a gelding. She's in now so we might keep going, as long as the ground doesn't get too hard. She takes her racing well but we'll see.

"It's great to get the win and great for the Colemans who are friends of ours at home.

"That's my first track winner, I've had point to point winners and I have my restricted license a month. She was my first runner. I'm point-to-pointing away and I have one other to run at Mallow on Saturday."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms. J. Walsh, that Mr T. Feeney, rider of Kym Eyre, had presented himself to weigh out at two pounds overweight, none of which had been declared at declaration time. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence and consulted with the trainer, the Stewards allowed Mr. T. Feeney to take up his mount. They were however satisfied that Mr. T. Feeney was in breach of Rule 195 and 198. Having considered Mr. T. Feeney's record in this regard the Stewards fined Mr. T. Feeney E150 on this occasion.

The Stewards interviewed Mr T. Feeney, rider of Kym Eyre, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. T. Feeney was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency and 10.3.i, time to respond. Having considered Mr. T. Feeney's record in this regard the Stewards suspended Mr. T. Feeney for one raceday.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes