Amy Jo gets the best out of Silkies Sib

On his first start since November, Silkies Sib led home 21-rivals in the concluding Legacy Wine Bar Handicap.

One of two Tim Doyle-trained runners in the line-up, the Amy Jo Hayes ridden four-year-old was sent off a 16/1 chance.

Racing in mid-division on the outer under a keen hold, the Cotai Glory chestnut took closer order on the approach to the straight.

Ridden in fourth over a furlong out, he soon came with his challenge and hit the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by a length-and-a-half.

Returned the 5/1 favourite, Sheen Falls Time kept on well to finish a never nearer second under Nathan Crosse for John O'Donoghue, while Comfort Line (12/1) and the fast finishing Chopsticks (20/1) were a short head and three-quarters-of-a-length away in third and fourth respectively.

"It's a tough combination, two hardy people. He's not an easy ride and Amy Jo got the best out of him," Doyle, who trains the winner for his wife Claire, commented.

"He's a tough hardy horse and you couldn't get to the bottom of him but he's hard work.

"She just sits against him and that's what he needs, if you try to fight him you'll lose.

"That was a surprise, I didn't think he'd be good enough to win up here as I thought he might need the first run. He ground it out well.

"He wants a little bit of ease and the rain was a big help. Amy Jo is after winning on her last two rides for us and she rides one on Sunday that has a chance too, Pink Socks in Gowran."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident almost a furlong from the finish involving Saxon Kingdom ridden by Amy Jo Hayes, placed fourth, and Saffredi (GB), ridden by C.D. Hayes, unplaced, where it appeared that Saffredi ran short of room on the rail and had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned, in the presence of M.C. Grassick, who accompanied Amy Jo Hayes during her evidence. C.D. Hayes stated that his mount was a difficult ride having ran very keen. He further stated that when a gap appeared on the rail he committed to it, but could see that it was going to close and he took back to avoid an incident. Amy Jo Hayes stated that she was unaware that Saffredi was making a run down the rail, but accepted that interference was caused. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Amy Jo Hayes was in breach of Rule 214 (careless riding) and having considered her record, (fourth offence) they suspended her for 12 racedays.

S. O'Callaghan, rider of Mullacash Buzz trained by Thomas Dowling, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly away from the stalls.

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Boadicea Belle trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left inside the last furlong.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Saffredi (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very keen and had to take a check in the straight.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday enquired from G.P. Halpin, rider of Esticky End who was unseated leaving the stalls. The rider reported that his mount plunged leaving the stalls, ducked right and unseated him. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards informed Tom McGuinness, trainer of Esticky End, that a repeat performance in the behaviour of his charge may render the animal liable for suspension.

Amy Jo Hayes, rider of Silkies Sib, trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung right from the bend.

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Akmaam (FR), trained by J.F. Levins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was forced to check turning in.

D.P. McDonogh, rider of Angel Above trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received pressure half a mile from home and got tight for room.

J.A. Powell, rider of Thunder Canyon trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood a blood vessel in running. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the retreat of Thunder Canyon while being eased by the rider and were satisfied that while the animal did cause several riders to get tight for room it was true no fault of any individual and therefore took no further action.

J.A. Heffernan, rider of Florida Taiga trained by S.M.Duffy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received pressure turning in.

N.M. Crosse, rider of Sheen Falls Time, trained by John S. O'Donoghue, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was impeded by the loose horse for much of the race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Thunder Canyon, trained by Luke Comer, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at the nostrils post race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson