Global lands a gamble on first start for Cromwell Global Racing landed a gamble in the Watch Racing TV On Vodafone TV Handicap Hurdle, on what was his first start for Gavin Cromwell. Previously trained by John 'Shark' Hanlon, the son of Hard Spun had shown little since finishing a good second at Limerick in July of 2017. He did however come in for market support on his last few runs, and the money arrived again today. Available at 8/1 in early shows, the Michael Brazil owned six-year-old opened on-course at just 3s, before going off the clear 9/4 favourite under Andrew Lynch. In front after the second last, the chestnut victor soon went clear, and while Cher Why Not reduced the deficit on the run-in, the result was never in doubt. The runner-up, who was a length and a half behind, was returned at 9/2 under Conor McNamara, while Lady Writer (11/1) and Star Of Oscar (14/1) were third and fourth respectively. Cromwell said afterwards: "He's a grand big horse and I haven't got him that long but he's been working well at home. He's straight forward and we’ll see what the handicapper does. "Hopefully he can go for something similar again, and he stayed well. I haven't schooled him over a fence but he looks a chaser." On stable star Espoir D’allen, Cromwell added: "He will go for the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas on Sunday week. "I was delighted with him in Limerick. Apart from the one day last year in Leopardstown he's done nothing wrong and he's a nice one to look forward to." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Stewards interviewed D.P. Carroll, rider of Presenting Thewest, 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 D.P. Carroll was in breach of R10 (3)(b) by hitting his mount unnecessarily after it's chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended D.P. Carroll for 2 racedays. Furthermore the Stewards ordered D.P. Carroll to attend R.A.C.E for one days tuition on the correct use of the whip. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Our Native Land trained by Barry T. Murphy was found to have blood on the nose as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage. * B.J. Cooper, rider of Olive D'haguenet (FR) trained by I.Madden, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left throughout this race. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
