Crawley delighted to train a winner for great supporter McKeon Cedar Hill shed his maiden tag at the fifth time of asking when with a first-time tongue-strap on he landed the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown. With Danny Hand in the saddle for the initial occasion, the Frammassone gelding was backed in from 20/1 and bigger earlier, into a returned 7/1. Shane Crawley’s charge disputed the lead early and he was headed at the fourth and raced in second after. The five-year-old improved to dispute the lead again two out and he led travelling well entering the straight. Ridden at the last Cedar Hill stayed on well under pressure inside the final furlong to beat Balaclava by two and a half lengths. “He learned a bit the last day in his first handicap at Thurles. I’m delighted as Paddy McKeon (owner) is a great supporter of mine and we were just touched off the last day with Reine Fee (at Fairyhouse)," said Crawley. “I’d say he will stay a bit further in time.” Crawley and Hand won this race last year with Breesy Mountain. The Stewards requested a report from Shane Crawley, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Cedar Hill, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Thurles on the 28th November. Shane Crawley reported that he was disappointed with his charge the last day where he blew up in running, this being his first run in a handicap. He added that he got knocked about in that race but a subsequent endoscopic examination found no abnormality. Today a tongue strap was applied and the experience of a run in a handicap contributed to the improved performance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report. The Stewards interviewed S. O'Callaghan, rider of Major Fawcett (GB), 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 were of the opinion that S. O'Callaghan was in breach of R10(3)(b) by hitting his horse unnecessarily after it's chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having considered his previous record, the Stewards cautioned S. O'Callaghan on this occasion. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Bread And Butter, trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have a slight nasal discharge from his right nostril. Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for hurdles # 4 and 5 to be omitted from this race (AM & EM)
