Stayer Goose Man wins over the minimum

It was a case of all's well that ends well for well-backed favourite Goose Man in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase at Down Royal.

A bad mistake at the second last fence threatened to derail the 10/11 shot's bid for glory in the four runner two miler.

Davy Russell tried to seize the initiative on Robin Des Mana at that stage, but the Andrew Lynch-ridden Goose Man came home best up the run-in for a length and three parts win.

There was a length and quarter to Bravissimo then in third.

Winning trainer Tom Taaffe said afterwards: "I brought him back to two (miles) because he has learned how to put his feet under him and gallop which he didn't a year ago - experience of racing has helped.

"I'm very happy with that. The second last was as good as a fall when that happens, but I love the way he picked back up again and came back on ground that they say is unbelievably soft.

"He'll have an entry in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap (Chase) over two miles five. He's going the right way and he's a horse I like. It's great to win over two when he's really a three miler.

"Better ground will suit him but I'm not saying good ground."

The Stewards interviewed A.E. Lynch, rider of Goose Man, concerning his use of the whip between the second last and the last fence of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found A.E. Lynch to be in breach of Regulation 10.4 in that he used his whip without giving his mount time to respond.

Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned A.E. Lynch.

(MG & EM)