Brazos and Kevin Brouder over the last in Navan© Photo Healy Racing
John Murphy's Brazos held on by a nose at the end of division one of the two and a half mile maiden hurdle in Navan.
A stewards enquiry ensued as the the 11/2 shot drifted markedly right on the run-in and carried the challenging Folcano (10/11f) with him. The favourite was then bumped in the final 50 yards and lost out by the minimum margin while gaining all the time.
The result stood and there was 10 lengths back to the third home, Carrig Rock at 33/1.
Jockey Kevin Brouder was on board the winner and said: “He’s good and honest. He loves it around here and won the Cesarewitch at this track.
“He moved real well today and jumped well. Hopefully he’ll have a nice novice campaign for the rest of the season.”
Brazos was a former winner of the Irish Cesarewitch on the Flat in 2018 and was making his second start over flights after a fourth place in Limerick.
Gordon Elliott, trainer of runner-up Folcano, said: "I don't think it was Jack's (Kennedy) finest ride to be honest.
"Just watching the re-run again, he (Brazos) goes right across the track the horse (Folcano) got a bump and he got beat a nose.
"I think the consistency of these stewards enquiries is barbaric in Ireland at the moment. I don't know what you have to do to get a race. Do you have to put them literally out across the rails now to get a race? There's no consistency, it is disappointing.
"It is disappointing for the owners and disappointing that the horse didn't win. I'll discuss it (an appeal) with the owner but I'd probably take it on the chin."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Brazos (USA), ridden by K.J. Brouder, placed first and Folcano (FR), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judges placings. They did however find K. J. Brouder in breach of rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered K. J. Brouder's record in this regard the Stewards suspended K. J. Brouder for two race days.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
