Hazariban just loves Navan Successful here on the flat and over flights in the past, Hazariban struck again to make it three at Navan when landing the Tote Mobile Betting Handicap under Derek McCormack. Seamus Fahey brought the Kahyasi gelding here fresh and well off a 172 day break (sixth in a handicap hurdle at the Punchestown Festival) and he eventually held on by a head from the fast finishing The Fox Tully. Fahey remarked: "He loves it around here and loves that type of ground. He'll probably go hurdling now for the winter. "He's very small and won't carry big weights. The plan was to try and get into something like the November handicap off a low weight but we couldn't run him because of the fast ground." The Stewards interviewed D.A. McCormack, rider of Hazariban, 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 D.A. McCormack was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency, and having taken his recent record into account, they suspended him for 8 racedays and ordered that he attend RACE for 1 days tuition on the correct use of the whip. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Face Value (GB), trained by Adrian McGuinness, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal. (GC & EM)
