Hascoeur Clermont in full flow© Photo Healy Racing
Hascoeur Clermont (18/5) continued Gavin Cromwell's sensational form with victory in the Glenman Corporation Handicap Chase at Galway.
The six-year-old grey gelding jumped into the lead six out in this extended 2m6f assignment and Keith Donoghue was cool on board as he didn't ask for everything despite hie mount travelling ever so well.
It is a long way home from the last and Donoghue was still virtually motionless unless getting after his mount on the uphill climb. The pair got the pace spot on as Da Big Fella (7/1) attempted to reel them in but was half a length in arrears at the winning post. Takarengo looked threatening between the last two fences, but his effort petered out in the final furlong as he finished nine lengths further back in third at 10/3.
Cromwell said: "It is great for the syndicate (Riverview Racing Syndicate) who are from Trim and I'm delighted for them. This is compensation for his last two runs as he ballooned the last at Downpatrick and it might have cost him. It is a brilliant place for them to get their first winner.
"We weren't sure about the ground, but he handled it away well. He'll continue running in staying chases and we'll make hay while the sun shines."
This was a 10th winner in the last 11 days for the trainer.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of Da Big Fella, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer Ms. N. O'Connor. In his evidence P.J. O'Hanlon accepted that he was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) (frequency). He also stated that he was trying to hold his position and keep forward momentum up the long straight. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that P.J. O'Hanlon was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency)and 10.3(f)(excessive force). Having taken his previous record into account, the Raceday Stewards suspended P.J. O'Hanlon for four race days.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
