Time And Money pays off in Down Royal

Time And Money took the step up to an extended mile and a half in his stride at Down Royal.

He was strong in the final quarter of a mile as Ben Coen sent him about his business.

The four-year-old gelding hit the front in the final 150 yards to take the honours by three parts of a length.

He obliged at 17/2 from 14/1 runner-up Park Row Hidden Land was a neck further back in third at 7/1.

Trainer Andrew Oliver said: "He has been a horse that has been a wee bit frustrating to place more than anything else.

"After coming back this year we just didn't get the opportunity; we wanted to step him up in trip and there was just nothing available, so it was a big step up from a mile to a mile and a half but he got it well.

"Ben gave him a lovely ride, I was very impressed with the ride. He just arrived on the premises at the right time. He handled the ground and the trip. The race just worked out for him.

"I think he is very versatile as he has won over a mile. We'll keep him at more extended trips now, we'll keep him at middle distances. He got every yard of that. We'll have no problem in stepping him up in trip. Hopefully that gives us something to have fun with."

The Stewards interviewed L.T. McAteer, rider of Hidden Land (USA), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation with regard to numbers and was disappointed with himself as he had worked very hard on this aspect of his riding in recent months. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found L.T. McAteer in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for one raceday.