El Barra and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
El Barra (5/4 favourite) did it convincingly enough from the front for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in the Ryan's Cleaning, Waste & Recycling Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Bold Approach and Buddy Rich were ‘tight’ enough in the market against El Barra, but the Closutton winner put his stamp on this two miler from two out.
To his credit Suprise Package gave gallant chase from before the last where he made a slight mistake. The winning margin was two and a quarter lengths.
“The ground was nice for him. He was able to dictate in front and he done it nicely,” said stable representative David Casey.
“His last couple of runs were a bit better. He ran a bit keen at Leopardstown at Christmas and disappointed.
“It was probably the same a little bit in Naas. We dropped him back to two miles the last day in Navan and he was second and he ran well.
“Today he’s put it together. His future is over fences. I’d imagine he’ll be over fences next season."
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Wild Shot (GB), ridden by D.E. Browne, and trained by John C. McConnell.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. D.E. Browne, stated that there was uncertainty about his mount staying the trip and his instructions were to sit in towards the rear of the field and to try to get his mount to run on at the end of the race.
On reviewing the video of the race with the Stewards he stated that he was happy with his position early in the race where he gave his mount plenty of light to see his hurdles.
He added that his mounts jumping improved as the race progressed and was on the bridle until the turn into the straight.
He acknowledged that he did not look vigorous in his riding in the latter stages of this race but had kept his mount going by nudging him along.
John C. McConnell, confirmed the riding instructions and stated that his charge was a very small horse who had won under the Rules of Racing but appeared to have a high handicap mark as a result of the victory.
He added that his charge was diverted to hurdle racing but there was a doubt about him staying the trip.
He admitted to the Stewards that he was delighted with the performance of his charge but felt that the rider should have been closer to the pace when the race began to unfold.
The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Wild Shot (GB) was post race normal.
Samples were taken for analysis.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the trainers explanation but suspended Wild Shot (GB) for 60 racedays in accordance with the provisions of Rule 212(A)(v) as a consequence of the rider's actions.
Furthermore, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.E. Browne was in breach of Rule 212(A)(ii) and suspended him for 21 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds and Mr Justice Tony Hunt, Acting Stewards, absented themselves from this enquiry and Dr Frank Kenny was nominated to act on the Stewards panel where this enquiry was chaired by Mr Philip Caffrey.
