Hidden Spark thriving for McGuinness team After a second placing at the venue last Monday Hidden Spark returned to Gowran to win the first division of the Holden Plant Rentals Handicap. Cian MacRedmond was aboard the 11/4 favourite and the Quantus Syndicate-owned chestnut was maintaining her excellent form since joining the Ado McGuinness team. The successful daughter of Dream Ahead on this occasion fought off Joupe (12s into 15/2) by a head. Seamie Heffernan picked up a 6-day whip ban on Joupe (see below). “She was probably a little unlucky here last week when she pulled herself up a bit and he gave her a great ride today,” said McGuinness. “He dropped her in a little bit and got a lovely split on the rail. He’s very good value for his 7lb. “She battled today which she didn’t. She’s seven kilos heavier than when she went racing on Monday and has thrived for the whole week.” T.P. Madden, rider of Ethics Approval (GB) trained by Stephen Gerard Carey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away. Sarah E. McCarthy, rider of Reddiac trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount reared in the stalls. The Stewards interviewed J.A. Heffernan, rider of Joupe, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that J. A. Heffernan was in breach of regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency and h, the use of the whip with the arm above shoulder height. Having considered J. A. Heffernan's record in this regard the Stewards suspended J. A. Heffernan for six racedays and referred him to the Racing Academy and Centre of Education for one days tuition on the correct use of the whip. (AM & EM)
