Bolger puts a stop to the O'Briens Aidan O'Brien was denied a Curragh four-timer by the man that put him on the road to greatness as Jim Bolger's Ringside Support triumphed in the concluding Extra.ie Maiden. O'Brien and his son Donnacha took the opening three events at headquarters with Ballet Shoes, Fleet Review and Pavlenko. The Ballydoyle representative in the finale was World Stage and whilst he went very close to winning he couldn't quite master the Godolphin-owned and Kevin Manning-ridden Ringside Support. He was a head up where it mattered most, and there was a length and three parts back to Sovereign Hill. "He has guts. His trip is from there upwards," said Bolger. "You might not see him again this year. I think he'll develop into a nice stayer next year and it's quite possible you won't see him again. I'll have to discuss it with Joe Osborne and his team." The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Mac Chaparral trained by J.A.Stack was a gelding rather than a colt, as described on the race card. The Stewards fined J.A.Stack, €130, in accordance with Rule 148(vi), for failing to inform the authorities that his charge had been gelded. The Stewards enquired into an incident in the early stages involving Amuse Bouche, ridden by P.J. Smullen, Buckeye (GB), ridden by N.G. McCullagh, Don Pedro (USA), ridden by C.P. Hoban, Mac Chaparral, ridden by C.D. Hayes, Massif Central, ridden by W.M. Lordan, Mr Natural, ridden by S.B. Kelly, Partyman, ridden by C.T. Keane, and Cold Springs, ridden by W.J. Lee. 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 the incident was accidental and took no further action. N.G. McCullagh, rider of Buckeye (GB), trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly right in the early stages. (GC & EM)
