Dorans River in full flow at Ballinrobe Doran's River stormed home in the final furlong of the John Mulhern Handicap Hurdle to oblige by a length and a quarter. The nine-year-old gelding was switched out from fourth rounding the home bend by Kevin Brouder, and the pair unleashed their challenge straightening up. They rattled home down the outside and collared Bridge Native in the final 100 yards to win going away at 10/1. Trans Wood came from another parish to get up for second at 11/2 from 7/1. This was her fifth runner-up berth in a row. Bridge Native was a neck away in third at 9/2. "Tom (Doran, owner) is a real Mayo man, so we said we'd sooner come to Ballinrobe to win, than finish third or fourth at Galway," said trainer Stephen Mahon. "He'll likely still go to Galway. He's probably better in a race like that with top weight, though, than in a better race with a lower weight. "Kevin gave him a very, very cool ride there." The Stewards interviewed Mr T. Power Roche, rider of Trans Wood, 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 Mr T. Power Roche was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Mr T. Power Roche for one race day. The Stewards interviewed A.W. Short, rider of fifth-placed Bog War, 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 A.W. Short was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended A.W. Short for one race day. Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
