Dame has plenty smiling The Rachel Blackmore ridden Diamond Dame pleased many with her success in the Powerstown Demense (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel. Tipped up by one of the best in the business on a leading racing website, the King's Best mare was popular in the betting earlier in the day, for the extended two miler, but she eventually went off at 7/1. In the race Diamond Dame was never far away, she led entering the straight, and despite a tendency to go to her right up the straight she still crossed the line with a convincing eight lengths in hand over Hard Bought. Cloudy Morning was also popular in the shops and he filled the third spot, half a length behind. John 'Shark' Hanlon has care of Diamond Dame for Alan Cullen and he explained: "Alan is away in Spain on holidays but I told him to have an interest in her. "I bought her in Brightwells off Darley and she's very well bred. She's a half-sister to four black-type horses. "She's a big good looking mare and I'm hoping she'll win on the flat too." The Stewards interviewed Mr D. Skehan, rider of Cloudy Morning, concerning his use of the whip in 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 the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day. (TW & EM)
