Rutledge earns praise after winning on Drakensberg again

Division one of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Handicap saw Drakensberg (11/8 favourite) follow up his Friday success at the venue, again under Siobhan Rutledge.

Tony Martin’s charge has now won four on the polytrack here, but never before at as short as this extended ten furlongs.

This afternoon the chestnut got there late to touch off gallant pace-setter, the well-backed Ballycaines (5s into 3s), by three parts of a length.

It was just a head then to Gougane Barra in third.

“He's a horse that has been knocking on the door. He won a couple here a few years ago and is back off a competitive mark,” said Martin.

“With those horses at that range claiming off them is vital. He's at a stage where he can run well and then you have to be lucky enough for things to go right.

“Siobhan claiming 7lb off him really helped, that was the difference, and she rode him as well as any non claiming jockey.

“She didn't panic on him. It's not like she went ten wide, she waited until the straight and he has that little bit of toe. They went strong enough in it.”

The Stewards interviewed Katelyn Young, rider of But You Said concerning her use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that she had not realised how way back she was and accepted that she had used her whip when clearly out of contention and she apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Katelyn Young was in breach of Regulation 10.3.b, the unnecessary hitting of a horse after its chance of winning or being placed is clearly gone. Having considered Katelyn Young's record in this regard the Stewards suspended Katelyn Young for one raceday.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Special Memento trained by Tracey Collins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost its action.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Special Memento trained by Tracey Collins was found to be lame on its right hind post race.

(GC & EM)