Book wins again at Clonmel Like An Open Book made it another day to remember for the Burke family at Clonmel, as she took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle. Trained by John, ridden by his brother Martin, and owned by their sister Elaine, the daughter of Well Chosen was sent off a 10/1 chance this evening (from 14s on-course). Successful in a bumper over the course and distance in June, she since finished a good fourth of twenty-three on her debut over flights at Cork. She was last of five behind Mystic Theatre on her most recent start at Kilbeggan, and she was settled towards rear today. The bay victor took closer order from the third last, and came through to lead before the next, keeping on well on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter. The Paul Power trained Drakaina finished second under Conor Maxwell at 8/1, while Rock On Bach (20/1) was a length and a half away in third for Chris Timmons and Alice Curran. The 4/1 favourite Mr Champers was a head back in fourth with Kevin Sexton in the saddle for Adrian Keatley. The winning trainer later stated: "I rode her myself to win her bumper in June and she seems to like this track. We'll see how the ground goes and she'll run again if it stays good; that's the ground she likes." STEWARDS REPORT * The Stewards interviewed C.D. Maxwell, rider of Drakaina, concerning his use of the whip in the closing 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 C.D. Maxwell to be in breach of regulation 10.4 in that he used his whip without giving his mount time to respond. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended C.D. Maxwell for 1 raceday. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
