Spruce Meadows and Gary Halpin see off Politicial Policy and Conor McGovern© Photo Healy Racing
A gamble on Hurricane Cass (12s earlier into 7/2 favourite) captured much of the pre-race attention in the Paddy Power Phone Betting 24/7 On 1800 721 821 Handicap at Dundalk. Tommy Stack's runner finished third as Spruce Meadows (14/1) came out on top under in-form Gary Halpin. Political Policy finished well but half a length was as close as he could get to John Feane's Spruce Meadows, who'd led from under a furlong and a half out.
The aforementioned Hurricane Cass kept on well in the final furlong to be a length and three parts back.
"That's a bonus — fantastic. He's been a very progressive horse all year," said Feane.
"I'm delighted for the owners. It's a nice pot to get and it was a very competitive handicap.
"He won well. He pricked his ears coming past me a furlong out and I knew he had a bit left in the tank.
"The handicapper has given him plenty but the step up in trip has brought about a little bit of improvement.
"Gary have him a peach of a ride. When the gap came he was good enough to go through it and he rode a lovely race from stall 12."
The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving the stalls involving Windsor Beach ridden by D.P. Linehan, and Tonkinese (GB), ridden by S. Foley, where it appeared Tonkinese (GB) suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned and from J.P. Murtagh, trainer and master of D.P. Linehan. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion D.P. Lenihan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 1 raceday.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Political Policy, ridden by C.J. McGovern, Windsor Beach, ridden by D.P. Linehan, and Tonkinese (GB), ridden by S. Foley, where it appeared Windsor Beach suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned, in the presence of J.P. Murtagh, trainer and master of D.P. Lenihan. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion S. Foley was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 1 raceday.
The Stewards interviewed G.P. Halpin, rider of Spruce Meadows, winner, 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 were of the opinion G.P. Halpin was in breach of Regulation 10 4, in that he failed to give his mount time to respond, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 2 racedays.
(GC & EM)
