Union Park rewards Rothwell's initiative

Union Park turned Ballinrobe's extended two mile one handicap hurdle into a procession.

The 8/1 chance cut a swathe through the field to arrive on the heels of the leaders after two out.

He tanked into contention on the outer coming to the final flight and soon took over on the run-in when Shantou Warrior met it on the wrong stride after putting the brakes on.

Union Park was ridden at the furlong pole by Hugh Morgan and surged some nine lengths clear of the veteran Youngnedofthehill (10/1). The latter got up by a short head for second from 7/2 favourite Shantou Warrior.

Trainer Philip Rothwell said: "I'm delighted to have a winner for the Barden family- they are the most supportive owners anyone could possibly have, they are amazing. Oscar Romero won for them at the start of the season as well.

"I thought this guy was unlucky at Punchestown. They went very slow and he was the only horse from far back to get into it. I asked Darragh O'Keeffe, who is suspended today, should we hold on to him again and he said to ride him the same way. There was a little bit more pace today and he won very well.

"We will see how he comes out of this but I know Oliver would love a runner in Galway. He is entered in a few of the handicaps there, but it might come a bit soon after today because of the weather.

"I left home at 8pm yesterday evening and I got here after midnight to try avoid travelling in the heat. I thought I was coming here with chances but I was a bit disappointed with the filly in the first. I'm delighted that this lad has made up for it now.

"We've made a lot of effort to keep them out of the heat and they've drank well since they got here. The track were hugely accommodating."

The Stewards interviewed S.W. Flanagan, rider of Shantou Warrior, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, S.W. Flanagan stated that his first three hits were only flicks behind the saddle but accepted that through an old habit of applying flicks early that he had exceeded the acceptable guideline for the use of the whip. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that S.W. Flanagan was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended S.W. Flanagan for three race days.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy