Autumn Evening makes pleasing start at jumps game Autumn Evening (7/4 into 5/4 favourite) delivered in the Galtee 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle at Cork. The Joe O’Flaherty-owned and Jessica Harrington-trained Tamayuz gelding moved up travelling smoothly in the straight but he got the last flight wrong. There was no panic from winning rider Sean O’Keeffe as he nudged Autumn Evening out to beat Curious Bride by three parts of a length. This was a very pleasing debut over hurdles by the successful chestnut, who showed up well in four Flat starts. "He is a lovely horse and has plenty of schooling done. He jumped very well and travelled everywhere and he'll learn plenty racing down over the last three (hurdles),” reported O’Keeffe. "I was always happy, he did it comfortably and he is a lovely strong three year old who is a lovely horse going forward. He has a bit of class about him." The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms. Aveena O'Keeffe, that Jamie Hayes, rider of Poetica,trained by John Joseph Hanlon, had presented himself to weigh out at three pounds overweight, non of which was declared at declaration time. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Jamie Hayes was in breach of both Rule 195 and Rule 198 and having considered his record in this regard the Stewards fined him €150 on this occasion. The Stewards allowed the overweight on this occasion having consulted with the trainers representative, Chris McGill, who stated that there was no other rider available to make the weight. Furthermore, the Stewards fined John Joseph Hanlon, trainer, €130 for failing to lodge the appropriate paperwork in accordance with the provisions of Rule 147(v), (written notification of Authorised Representative). (TW & EM)
