Gold Focus lands the money Gold Focus was best for money in the JJ Burke Peugeot Handicap, touching 7/2 from 11/2 before going off at 4s, for the fourth at Ballinrobe. She delivered under Kevin Manning, but only just. After racing in rear of mid-division, Manning was 'after' the Galway Festival fourth placer to improve her position from the half mile pole. Gold Focus made ground on the outer two furlongs out and went sixth a furlong out. She stayed on well from there to get up and short head Pennys Angel. Ger Flynn, representing winning trainer Jim Bolger, said: "It is great to get a winner here as it is a long journey over! She did it well. She was outpaced early on but she battled well and did everything right to just get up." The Stewards interviewed Gary Paul Halpin, rider of The Glimmerman, concerning his use of the whip when out of contention 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 satisfied that Gary Paul Halpin was in breach of R10(3)(b) by the continued hitting of a horse after its chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his previous good record into consideration. Gary Paul Halpin, rider of The Glimmerman, trained by Seamus G. O'Donnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly off the final three bends. R.P. Whelan, rider of Caliso Bay, trained by George Kent, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost her action about two furlongs out and was eased down thereafter. (DM & EM)
