The Dasher Conway wins Tipperary's opener

Second reserve The Dasher Conway returned trainer Gillian Callaghan to the winners' enclosure at Tipperary today, landing the TipperaryRaces On Twitter Maiden Hurdle (div I) for jockey Keith Donoghue.

Having his first run since February, the son of Ask today won easily by 11 lengths from Hot On My Heels to provide Callaghan, who currently trains “a couple of horse”, with her first winner since Mad Brian in February 2017.

Afterwards Callaghan reported “it has been a while since his last run, he has been improving all the time and it was good to get in today.

“He is a fabulous big horse, hopefully there will be more days with him and it is great to get this.”

The Stewards received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, Mr.D. Cullen, that some riders had proceeded past the marker poles before being instructed to do so and before time which resulted in a false start. Evidence was heard from J.J. Slevin, rider of Villain Thomas M.P. O'Connor, rider of Georgina Burgess and Mr D.L. Queally, rider of Roisins Ciara J.J. Slevin stated that he didn't hear the starter's instruction that they were before time but accepted that he had broke into a canter before the marker poles. M.P. O'Connor accepted that he had moved into a canter prior to reaching the marker poles. Mr. D.L. Queally felt that starting on a bend didn't help the situation, but accepted that he had proceeded into a canter before reaching the marker poles. Having viewed the video of the start and listening to the starters audio recordings, the Stewards were satisfied that J.J. Slevin, M.P. O'Connor and Mr. D.L. Queally were in breach of Rule 208 and taking their clean records in this regard into account, they suspended all three riders for one raceday.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of ninth-placed Duffys Hodey ridden by M.J. Doyle, and trained by P.J. Rothwell. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. M.J. Doyle, stated that his instructions were to drop his mount out as the animal can be free at home, creep into the race and to do the best he could. He said his mount made a little noise in running, but jumped and travelled well throughout. He said he had not rode in a race for three years and his fitness was a problem, but accepted that he should have made more of an effort to get into contention and that he should have finished much closer. P.J. Rothwell, confirmed the instructions given and was happy the rider kept wide and out of trouble for much of the race. He also reported that the animal had mad a noise on pulling up. Mr. Rothwell concluded by outlining the riders inexperience and fitness levels, but was also strongly of the view that it looked bad up the straight and that the rider should have finished a lot closer. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Duffy's Hodey was found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the trainers explanation. They were, however, of the opinion that M.J. Doyle was in breach of Rule 212.A.(ii) and having considered his record, they suspended him for 10 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore, the Stewards suspended Duffys Hodey for a period of 42 days as a consequence of the riders actions in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212.C(d).