Doctor Phoenix and Jack Kennedy come to beat De Benno (nearside)© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott added to his Punchestown gains with Jury Duty when Doctor Phoenix defied top-weight in the corkracecourse.ie Handicap Chase. De Benno tried to make the most of his 'postage stamp' impost with James Grace's veteran grey giving it a good go up front.
The Nick Bradley Racing Club-owned Doctor Phoenix, having his second outing for Elliott, had to work hard to master his 14/1 opponent.
Master him he did though, by a head, with thirteen lengths back to Just Get Cracking in third.
Davy Condon, assistant to Gordon Elliott, said: "Jack said he knew he had plenty left because he came up out of his hands at the last. He was a little bit idle but he put his head down at the right time.
"It was a good performance to win with that weight. He used to run with cheek-pieces on in England so they could be put back on again. That's a nice pot today and he's nearly paid for himself. Hopefully he can win another one."
The Stewards interviewed C.A. Landers, rider of De Benno, 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.A. Landers to be in breach of Regulations 10.3.(a) in that he used his whip in front of the saddle in the forehand position, 10. 3 (f) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency and 10.4 in that he failed to give his mount time to respond.
Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended C.A. Landers for 3 racedays.
(AM & EM)
