Social Distance fends off Bell Ex One again

Social Distance and Bell Ex One finished first and second in Roscommon last week and repeated the feat in Sligo.

The pair clashed over a mile and a half in Roscommon last Tuesday with Social Distance prevailing by a length and a half. Today's contest was the first division of the extended mile and a quarter handicap and Bell Ex One went off favourite with a swing in the weights in his favour.

He was ridden by Billy Lee to grab the lead at the furlong pole and held the initiative until Social Distance rallied strongly in second with 100 yards to go.

She got her nose in front with 50 yards left and kept on best to see off her rival by a head at 3/1 for Jessica Harrington. Bell Ex One, the 7/4 favourite, didn't do much wrong in second and was half a length clear of Sheishybrid (5/1).

Winning jockey Shane Foley said: “It was a similar race to Roscommon really.

“It wasn’t the strongest race in the world. She is what she is and she tries. It could be harder for her when she goes into the next grade but she’s won two.

“She likes an ease in the ground. Those New Bays seem to enjoy a cut in it."

The Stewards interviewed W.J. Lee, rider of Bell Ex One, concerning his use of the whip in latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who felt that the first strike was for corrective purposes but accepted that he had used his whip excessively. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that W.J. Lee was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency). Having considered the rider's record in this regard and pursuant to Regulation 10.6(a), the Stewards suspended W.J. Lee for six racedays.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan