Hatton Cross wins on 2nd visit to Dundalk Hatton Cross (9/2) became the fifth winning market leader in as many races at Dundalk when landing the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap for Thomond O'Mara and Wayne Lordan. Owned by O'Mara's wife, Roisin Hickey, Hatton Cross was waited with by Lordan. The Moss Vale gelding made headway in mid-division over two furlongs out, he got there to press the leaders a furlong out, before hitting the front between horses close home for a half length verdict over Tithonus. Lordan commented: "He ran here first time out and I wasn't sure if he'd handle it but he handled it well. That was a good effort under ten stone and from a wide draw." R. Coakley, rider of Elusive Sally, trained by Ms. Ann R. Reilly, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount moved poorly throughout. The Stewards interviewed J.A. Heffernan, rider of Tithonus, 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 found J.A. Heffernan in breach of Reg 10. 4. by failing to give his mount time to respond and having taken his record into account the Stewards cautioned him regarding his future whip use. The Stewards interviewed R.D. Dolan, rider of Ace Of Arts, 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 found R.D. Dolan in breach of Reg 10 3(b) by continuing to use his whip after his chance had gone and having taken his record into account the Stewards cautioned him regarding his future whip use. (AM & EM)
