Freewheelin Dylan (Mark O'Hare) leads from Minella For Value (Declan Queally)© Photo Healy Racing
"He's only a five year old and did it well and Mark (O'Hare) said he enjoyed himself jumping and galloping," said Dermot McLoughlin after his Freewheelin Dylan came out on top in the Join The Listowel Races Supporters Club Hunters Chase.
Try as favourite Minella For Value did to bridge the gap up the straight he couldn't quite manage it.
Seven to one shot Freewheelin Dylan was backed in from bigger prices earlier and in the end he held off Minella For Value by half a length. The pace put to the race by the principals saw them burn off Red River Gold He was fourteen lengths back in third.
"We might give him a bit of a break off now but he wants that ground and is a summer horse. He could keep going until November but we'll see how bad the ground gets. He's going the right way and he might go to the track (for conventional chasing) now," elaborated McLoughlin.
The Stewards received a request from Ms. M.M. Gannon, trainer of Dantes King to substitute the nominated rider Mr R. Kavanagh, with Mr J.J.O'Neill, due to the nominated rider being unable to do the weight.
The Stewards allowed the request and subsequently interviewed Mr.R Kavanagh. Having considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr.Kavanagh was in breach of Rule 195(i) and having considered his record in this regard, issued a fine of €150.
The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Miss Colleen Murphy, that Mr W.J. Gleeson, rider of Just Wait And See failed to weigh in.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards disqualified Just Wait and See in accordance with Rule 230(ii). Furthermore the rider was found to be in breach of Rule 227(i) and having considered his clean record, suspended him for two race days.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Sizing Solution trained by J.T.R.Dreaper, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(TW & EM)
