Swift Harry has too much dash for his rivals

Swift Harry served up a 14/1 surprise in the two mile bumper at Cork but there was nothing lucky about the win as he put in a polished display to come home by three and a half lengths.

Johnny King did the steering for John Feane and he had the seven-year-old gelding poised to challenge on the shoulder of Paddy Gunzales approaching the home straight.

The button was pressed with more than a quarter of a mile to go and Swift Harry soon moved ahead of Paddy Gunzales. He was clear at the furlong pole as Star Foot stayed on to third just behind Paddy Gunzales.

King kept Swift Harry up to his work and he readily closed out the race from Star Foot (12/1) and Miss Chief (33/1).

Johnny King commented: "He had a good run at Kilbeggan the last day when they went no gallop on a track which didn't suit.

"He loves that nice ground and I'd say he should go for a winners' bumper next."

The Stewards interviewed Mr R.P. Quinlan, rider of Black Banjo unplaced, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion Mr R.P. Quinlan was in breach of Regulation 10 3

(f) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency, and Regulation 10 4 in that he used his whip without giving his mount time to respond, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for two race days.

The Stewards interviewed Mr A. Ryan, rider of Shamat unplaced, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion Mr A. Ryan was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (a) in that he had used the whip down the shoulder while in the forehand position, and Regulation 10 3 (b) in that he

continued to use his whip after his chance of winning or being placed had clearly gone, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for three race days.

The Stewards received a complaint under Rule 31 and a deposit of €130 from Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Miss Ellis Island against the Turf Club Starter, Mr D. Cullen in relation to the start of this race, which he alleged the Starter failed to adhere to the Starting Procedures. Evidence was heard from Mr Cullen, Mr P.W. Mullins, and Mr J.J. O'Neill, Miss S. O'Brien, Miss J.M. Mangan and Mr J.J. Slevin, who all participated in this race. Also evidence was heard from Mr. Dan Hutch, Veterinary Surgeon, Mr. Howard Tarrant, Mr. Jimmy Fogarty and Mr. Paddy Barker, Advanced Flagman, who were all present and

witnessed the start. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards referred the whole matter on to the Chief Executive of the Turf Club for further investigation, and ordered that Mr. P.W. Mullins' deposit be returned to him.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes