Bit Of Banter puts a win on the board She saddled the second and third home in the previous heat, but for Jessica Harrington Bit Of Banter (7s out to 11s) made no mistake in the Circle Bar Handicap at Naas. Colm O’Donoghue was aboard the Big Bad Bob filly for the Blessingindisguise Partnership and she held Nimitz by half a length. Mrs Harrington's daughter Kate said: "Kevin Blessing bought her recently and I'd say he'll keep her in training next year. "He bought her to eventually go breeding and she may jump a hurdle. She's a half-sister to a lovely filly we have in the yard called For Your Eyes (third to Zagitova on debut at Cork). "She's a lovely filly and Colm said we should step her up in trip again." The Stewards fined Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer, €65 for failing to fit the declared equipment to Remmy D, prior to entering the parade ring. The Stewards interviewed W.J. Lee, rider of Nimitz, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10 3.(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and having taken his record into account, suspended him for three race days. Edward P.Harty, trainer of Remembered Joy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge showed signs of being in season post race. (AM & EM)
