Shorter distance and Punch works better

The Phantom Punch gained reward for his consistency when triumphant in the Racing Post Apprentice Maiden at Dundalk.

This Canford Cliffs gelding started off here on November 17th, and he's accrued form figures of 343 up to tonight.

Despite wandering a bit inside the last, the Andy Oliver owned and trained four-year-old got home by two and a quarter lengths from Above Us Only Sky after making all.

Gambled-on favourite Nigg Bay (5/1 into 9/4) could manage only fourth.

In-form Conor McGovern rode The Phantom Punch, dropped back markedly in trip to this seven furlong distance.

"It looked a wee bit rash dropping him back but he worked against Play It Cool over a mile here prior to his first run and seemed to be the better of the pair," disclosed Oliver.

"I would excuse the first run because he blew up and the second as he blew up with time off, but the last day I just thought does he appreciate this (1m4f) trip. My hand was forced a bit as this was the only maiden so I said we'll run him and see.

"Probably around a mile is a trip that he'll stick to. He's had a few quickish runs so we'll probably leave him until the grass. I hope he's a progressive horse, and is one we have always looked forward to.

"Conor gave him a great ride. With a one draw I just said keep it simple and ride your race."

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the turn into the straight involving Althib (GB), ridden by A.M. Glynn, and Dash D'or ridden by M.L. Melia, where it appeared Dash D'or stumbled.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found A.M. Glynn in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.

The Stewards further found both riders in breach of Rule 213 for failing to report in the first instance something which might have affected the running of their horses in this race and having taken their respective records into account, cautioned both riders.

A.M. Glynn, rider of Althib (GB), trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries (in the course of an enquiry) that his mount hung throughout.

M.L. Melia, rider of Dash D'or, trained by Kieran P. Cotter, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries (in the course of an enquiry) that his mount caught a heel as they turned into the straight.

(AM & EM)