Water springs surprise under Corby

John Murphy's Water Sprite sprung a 20/1 surprise in the L.M. Carey & Company Handicap under Sean Corby at Listowel.

There was a steward's enquiry but the victorious Papal Bull filly didn't cause the interference to eventual fourth home Bunreacht and there was no amendment to the judge's placings after Water Sprite held on by a short head from Smoker (drifted right under pressure a furlong and a half out and left inside the last).

Murphy's son George reported: "We're delighted with that – really happy. She looked as though she was beaten turning out of the back straight but Sean came in and said she was really tough so we're really happy.

"We're delighted that she's after getting a bracket for herself now. She'd run well a few times before and she'd been a bit unlucky not to get a notch up but she's got that now.

"She'll run again at Gowran on Sunday if she's okay after this."

Well-backed favourite Que Sera Sera eventually finished last having led and disputed.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final furlong involving Smoker (GB), ridden by Gary Paul Halpin, placed second, Bunreacht (USA), ridden by K.J. Manning, placed fourth, Sterling Cooper ridden by D.W. O'Connor, placed third and Water Sprite, ridden by S. Corby, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned, in the presence of J.F.Levins, master of D.W.O'Connor. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings, however they were of the opinion that Gary Halpin was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Que Sera Sera (GB), trained by David Wachman, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

F.M. Berry, rider of Que Sera Sera (GB), trained by David Wachman, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount failed to pick up in the closing stages.

(TW & EM)