Sales bound Heartrate makes the breakthrough

Heartrate dictated things from the front as he deservedly made the breakthrough in the @tipperaryraces Maiden.

Placed three times and a close fourth on his last two starts, the Kieran Cotter-trained chestnut was sent off a 7/2 chance.

After breaking smartly to lead, the Dragon Pulse gelding was quickly brought across to the nearside rail.

Ridden and strongly pressed from the furlong pole, he battled on gamely in the closing stages to hold off the effort of Son Of Sampers (5/1) by a neck.

Ronan Whelan was aboard the runner-up for Mick Halford and Tracy Collins, while well-backed debutant Never Shout Never (15/8f from 11/2 early) faded inside the final furlong and could only manage fourth.

"He was entitled to win and has been fairly consistent but is maybe below the class to win at the better tracks," Cotter said.

"He has some good form and we always thought he'd win one of these when he got good ground.

"He is a keen-going sprinter who battled the whole way and has a date at the July Sales. He will be fun for someone as he is a good solid sound horse and will definitely suit someone."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference about one hundred and fifty yards from the finish involving Heartrate, ridden by D.P. McDonogh, placed first, and Son Of Sampers, ridden by R.P. Whelan, placed second, where it appeared that Heartrate moved slightly right and possibly made contact with Son Of Sampers. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, R.P. Whelan stated that his mount had received slight contact form Heartrate but ran on well to the line. D.P. McDonogh admitted that his mount had brushed off Son Of Sampers but felt that it was of no significance. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes