Sovereign Debt (Chris Hayes) beats Iveagh Gardens (Fran Berry)© Photo Healy Racing
Sovereign Debt promoted at the expense of Tested (finished last as favourite on this occasion) at Tipperary on October 4th, completed a double for Chris Hayes at Leopardstown, as the grey came out on top in the Listed Bet Online At Thetote.com Knockaire Stakes.
Tested was struggling to get to the leaders when badly hampered over a furlong out and Pat Smullen soon eased off.
In the end the Lady O'Reilly-owned and Dandy Nicholls-trained Sovereign Debt held off Iveagh Gardens (switched right and bumped rival 1 1/2f out) by half a length.
Hayes had an hour earlier been on the mark, for his boss, Kevin Prendergast, on Awtaad in the maiden.
"You couldn't but be impressed with him. It's not easy giving weight away over an inadequate trip on ground that's not ideal," reflected Hayes.
"They've done a great job with him. He's been busy but he's consistent. He'll probably get a break now and might get a tilt back at the winter series.
"I had every intention of making it. Dandy didn't want me to but there was going to be no pace on and he stays well.
"It was nice to get something to aim at. He didn't do a whole lot in front but he was never going to be beat."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Flight Risk ridden by R.P. Whelan, placed fifth, Iveagh Gardens, ridden by F.M. Berry, placed second, Tested (GB), ridden by P.J. Smullen, unplaced and The Happy Prince ridden by J.P. O'Brien, placed third.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. 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 F.M.Berry was in breach of Rule 214, in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.
(GC & EM)
