Birthplace and Ana O'Brien come home in front© Photo Healy Racing
For the second time in as many races we had an Aidan O'Brien-trained Galileo winner when Birthplace landed the 188BET Horse Racing Charter Handicap at Limerick.
Thirty five minutes on from Bondi Beach s win in the feature, under Seamie Heffernan, Ana O'Brien guided Birthplace (13/2) into a two length win.
Birthplace was equipped with first-time blinkers for this transition into handicap company, after three runs in maidens.
"He's a lovely horse and likes that trip," the winning rider commented.
"He'll be better on better ground and the blinkers sharpened him up - he can be lazy but he's genuine."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference inside the final furlong involving Full Court Press ridden by C.R. King, placed third, Eight And Bob (GB), ridden by C.P. Hoban, placed fifth and Tasty Ginger ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Tasty Ginger had caused interference and in doing so improved his finishing position. They therefore altered the judge's placings to read first, Birthplace, second, Full court press, third, Tasty ginger, fourth, Masonbrook lady and fifth, Eight and bob. The stewards took no further action.
(TW & EM)
