Well-backed Pride takes 30 runner race

The thirty-runner Experience It racehorseownership.ie Handicap went the way of the 3/1 favourite Alans Pride

Successful at Dundalk in January, and at Limerick in June, the Richard O'Brien trained five-year-old filled the runner-up spot on his last two starts at Tipperary and Roscommon respectively.

Available at 8/1 last night, the son of Footstepsinthesand opened on-course at just 9/2, before going off the well-backed 3/1 market leader.

Prominent on the stands side he was ridden over a furlong from home, edging to the front well inside the final furlong, going on to score by half a length under Gary Halpin. Little Miss Willow (33s to 25s) finished second under Rory Cleary for Brendan Duke, while Mo Henry (25s to 16s) was a neck back in third for Danny Sheehy and Adrian Keatley. Its All For Luck completed the placings a short head back in fourth under Robbie Downey for Robbie McNamara at 16/1 (from 20s).

Richard O'Brien said afterwards: "Gary was really good on him. That trip puts him on his head a bit but he gave him a chance and came home well. I'm thrilled and that's his third win for us and plenty of places.

"He should be still in this grade after this. He takes his races well and we can look for something in about two weeks.

"He was a nice horse as a youngster and was rated about 80, so he's entitled to be competitive in this grade. The lads picked him up for just two grand."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a request from Thomas P.O'Connor, trainer of Intense Starlet to allow the nominated rider C.J. McGovern, carry three pounds overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he declared a possible two pounds overweight at declaration and could have done that weight but with his minimum riding weight set at 8-6, he was obliged to carry three pounds overweight. Evidence was also heard from the trainer concerned who stated that with thirty runners he had difficulty securing a rider to ride at such a light weight. He added that in the circumstances he was happy to allow the rider carry three pounds overweight. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards, in view of the exceptional circumstances,allowed the rider carry 3lbs overweight, in accordance with Rule 198v(ii)b, but advised him to have his minimum riding weight reassessed by the Turf Club Medical Officer.

The Stewards interviewed J.F. Levins, trainer of Dont Have It Then (GB), having failed to fit a hood to his charge prior to entering the parade ring. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards reminded the trainer of his future responsibilities in this regard.

D P Coakley, trainer of Boxer Dunford reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge pulled a shoe in running and was sore post race.

Thomas P.O'Connor, trainer of Intense Starlet, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was showing signs of being in season post race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee