Tahaf lives up to his billing

Tahaf landed a bit of a touch (9s into 6s on track) when making all in the Inter Vintners Pub Challenge Race Nite Handicap at Bellewstown under Seamie Heffernan.

Ridden to exploit his rail side draw in one, Tahaf was always to the fore and he looked a likely winner from some way out in this mile contest.

However, California Rose emerged from off the pace to threaten big danger late but the Denis Hogan-trained Tahaf held on by a neck.

Heffernan disclosed: "I've ridden him a couple of times and I wasn't sure what his trip was.

"He had a good draw today which I made use of and that's probably his trip.

"I don't think he got the mile and a quarter in Down Royal the last day."

C.D. Hayes, rider of Jackamo trained by Kevin Prendergast, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stumbled on the bend before the turn into the straight.

The Stewards interviewed Gearoid Patrick Brouder, rider of Rockin N Reelin (USA), 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 the rider was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (b) in that he had used his whip when his chance of winning or being placed had clearly gone, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 1 raceday.

(MG & EM)