Waterville snatches Gold in Killarney opener

The Charles Byrnes trained Waterville Dancer made up for disappointing defeats on his last two starts, as he got up on the line to take the opener at Killarney, the Sika Signs Maiden Hurdle.

Beaten at short odds at Cork and Kilbeggan, the son of Nathaniel wasn't as strong in the betting today, still going off the market leader at 13/8.

Settled behind the leaders by Donal McInerney, he got into a bit of barging match with Roman Rock before the third last.

He improved into second shortly after that flight, and was soon ridden in pursuit of the leader. The bay gelding looked held before the last, but threw down one final challenge on the run-in, staying on strongly to prevail by a head.

The well-backed Gold Seal (12s this morning and from 5s to 7/2 on-course) was the one just denied, with Barry Geraghty aboard this Galileo gelding for Joseph O'Brien.

The aforementioned Roman Rock (14/1) completed the placings another nine and a half lengths back in third, with JJ Slevin aboard for Mouse Morris.

The Vestey Bar Partnership owned victor, who was previously trained in the UK by Richard Hughes, was bought for 30,000 guineas at Tattersalls last October.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Desert Grey ridden by D.G. Hogan, and trained by Denis Gerard Hogan. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D.G. Hogan, stated that he jumped off handy in the first three or four. He felt he did not jump well enough throughout the race and the pace was false as there was no gallop. He had no where to go entering the straight as all the horses were bunching and stayed on in the straight. He expressed himself satisfied with the horse considering the way he jumped and the doubt about his ability to stay. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who reported the horse to be post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Desert Grey, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.