Admiral Brian and Eoin O'Connell clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
Admiral Brian and eventual third Ice Cool dominated the Killeen Sports Grounds Rated Novice Hurdle from the second last with the former eventually prevailing by two and a half lengths under Eoin O'Connell at Ballinrobe.
Well-backed thirteen to eight favourite Admiral Brian jumped to the front at the last. Definite Earl stuck on from that final flight but Admiral Brian was never going to be denied.
Eamon n O'Connell, father of the successful rider and trainer of Admiral Brian, said:
"I think he will run over fences at Tipperary next on the 12th of May.
"This was just in between, we took a chance and it worked out. He is improving away and he got a grand ride. Hopefully there will be another day in him and I think he will be a nice horse over fences."
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Definite Earl, ridden by R.C. Colgan, and trained by D.Broad.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.
R.C. Colgan, stated that his instructions were to jump behind the leaders, get settled and pick up as much prizemoney as possible.
In the race he jumped off behind the leaders but struggled and never travelled. He nursed him home and he ran on for second passing beaten horses after the last. He stated that he squeezed and hunted the horse along throughout.
D.Broad, confirmed the instructions to the rider. He felt that the front runners would take each other on in front and he wanted his horse settled behind them.
He stated the horse previously stopped to a walk in Sligo and was having his first run back after a break in Limerick last time.
He was fit and well today but stated that the horse has made a noise at home so a tongue strap was applied today.
He stated that he was very satisfied with the ride. His future plans with the horse were to mix it with hurdles and chasing in the medium term.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Definite Earl was examined and found to be post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found D. Broad and R.C. Colgan in breach of Rule 212 and having taken their records into account fined D. Broad €2000, suspended R.C. Colgan for 21 days and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee and suspended Definite Earl from racing for 60 days.
(DM & EM)
