Rock Of Tuskar strong at the business end

Rock Of Tuskar made the best way home in the second division of the 2m5f handicap hurdle in Limerick to seal the spoils for Paul Nolan and Richie Deegan.

The six-year-old gelding, in the first-time cheekpieces, enjoyed himself coming down the hill in the lead as he took a few lengths out of the pursuers before the home bend. Deegan could afford a peek over his shoulder as the pair straightened for home.

The gambled-on first-reserve Sweet Will (18/1 in the morning to an SP of 3/1f) was soon ridden in second and couldn't close on the leader two out. Feyan improved to challenge Sweet Will upon touching down but, again, couldn't make inroads on Rock Of Tuskar before the last.

The leader was swift over the last and was driven out to score by two and three quarter lengths. He was backed from 9/1 to 6/1. Feyan (7/2) got the runner-up prize by a short head from Sweet Will.

Nolan said: "'Outpaced' was some of the comments for him over three miles and at Wexford he tried to make it and made a few mistakes. It was a consistent pace today and he jumped well.

"We were looking for a 0-95 handicap chase for him but there was nothing coming up. That's gone now but it is great to win another race with him. He has a narrow make-up to him so hopefully he might strengthen up more and there may be more handicaps in him.

"It is great for the Cross Of Kilrane Syndicate who are mostly from St Mary's GAA Club in Rosslare."

Rock Of Tuskar doubled his career total having landed a Kilbeggan handicap hurdle last June.

The Stewards interviewed D. Meyler rider of third-placed Sweet Will, 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 Regulation 10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, including photographic evidence from the I.H.R.B. Veterinary Officer, the Stewards were satisfied that the rider was in breach of both Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and 10.3(f)(force). Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended D. Meyler for five racedays.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes