Rock Batts away Ladies Derby opposition

Batts Rock followed-up on his recent Bellewstown success, as he defied top-weight in the Boodles Ladies Derby Handicap.

Previously trained in the UK by Michael Bell, and bought for 68,000 guineas at Tattersalls last October, the son of Fastnet Rock was sent off at 7/2 today.

Settled behind the leaders by Lisa O'Neill, the bay victor took closer order from over two furlongs out, and was soon ridden to the front.

He kept up the gallop inside the final furlong, going on to score by three parts of a length in the colours of owner Noel Moran. Dasmyhoss was available at 9/2 in early shows, but came in for good market support, eventually going off the 2/1 favourite under Serena Brotherton for Robbie McNamara.

He finished second after veering left under pressure from the furlong pole. Here For The Craic completed the placings, a neck away in third at 16/1.

"He's a grand honest horse, he stays well and gallops," said Elliott.

"He'll be entered in Galway in a couple of races and we'll see. There is a good handicap in Leopardstown as well on Champions weekend.

"He could jump a hurdle as well so he has loads of options."

O'Neill, who won this race in 2010 and again last year on Miles To Memphis, added: "It's fantastic and I couldn't do it without the support I have behind me.

"Sneezy Foster was so good to me last year and Gordon this year. I thought I might get a bollocking because I was in front for a long time by myself but thankfully we got there.

"This lad is so straightforward and it's great for his owners, Noel and Valerie Moran. I hope he can go on and do plenty more for them.

"I was confident enough, he is high enough rated compared to the rest of them, and he is that for a reason. He had a lot of weight to carry.

"He is not one to do anything too quickly so I had to get the revs up when I did. It'll keep the boss happy for another while."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into reason for the withdrawal of Inis Meain, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan after the deadline time for withdrawals in accordance with Rule 194. The trainer stated that he confirmed the availability of Miss E. Dunne and declared her to ride at the appropriate time yesterday and furthermore informed the declarations department that the rider also expected to carry overweight of 2lbs. He added that Miss Dunne had some weight to lose but made contact this morning to say that she felt unwell from trying to lose the weight and furthermore that she did not feel healthy enough to ride. He stated that he tried to secure a replacement rider but the weight of 9st 7lbs left him with no suitable rider and therefore he had no alternative but to withdraw the horse. Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards did not take any action against Denis Gerard Hogan but referred the matter of the riders acceptance to ride and subsequent failure to do so to the CEO of the IHRB for further investigation.

The Stewards informed Gavin Cromwell, trainer that Breathe Easy would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson