Truckers Angel shines under Shinnick

Strong-travelling Truckers Angel (6/1) made the breakthrough under rules in Clonmel's mares' handicap hurdle.

John Shinnick sent her to the front on the run to the second-last flight and his partner responded generously at the business end.

The nine-year-old mare kept on strongly to win by three and three-quarter lengths from a staying-on Shean Glory who came in a never-nearer second at 7/2. This was a reversal in form from Shean Glory beating Truckers Angel into fourth over course and distance last month.

Long-time leader Take My Hand came in third at 25/1, a nose in front of 10/3 favourite Light Parade

Trainer Terence O'Brien said: "She had the form in the book and finished third in a maiden hurdle at Thurles one day and, off her mark, was entitled to do that.

"Liam (Burke, previous trainer) said she had a problem with her kidneys last year so they weren't sure what to do with her and left her off for a while, and then we got her for the club. She is progressing well and syndicates also seem to be working out well for us."

He added: "John (Shinnick) rides out with me a day a week and is brilliant to school and is a lovely lad. He is a great pilot and can claim 7lb off bottom weight - to be honest, if he wants it, he will go a long way."

The Raceday Stewards interviewed G.P. Brouder, rider of sixth-placed Rovetta concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, G.P. Brouder admitted that he had exceeded the whip guidelines for frequency. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that G.P. Brouder was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration and pursuant to the provisions of R10(6)(a), the Raceday Stewards suspended G.P. Brouder for six racedays.

Truckers Angel won a point-to-point at Ballindenisk back in January 2020.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes