Hoban laws down the Law

The addition of a hood and the change to front-running tactics proved just what the doctor ordered for Above The Law in the opening Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Rated Race.

Some of those that made the Lawman gelding favourite here a week ago, when he could manage no better than ninth, seemed to return on this occasion as the five-year-old ended up a 4/1 chance (from 9/2) having been on offer at 'sixes' and better this morning.

Conor Hoban dictated things nicely on Above The Law and he really only had Gallena to contend with from the quarter mile pole. He had that one beaten a furlong out, staying on well to score by three lengths. Strong-favourite Under Review was too keen for his own good and had to make do with third place.

Winning owner/trainer Andy Oliver explained: "Conor gave him a great ride. He disappointed here last week when he got very worked up having looked an improving horse last year for which he was hit hard by the handicapper.

"He was off for a while then before coming back fresh before Christmas and you'd allow him that.

"We tried different tactics today and we put a hood on him to settle him. I said to Conor to let the horse fill himself up with confidence.

"It was a rated race and it was a toss of a coin as to whether we'd run. He was wrong on handicap ratings but you've got to take the opportunities when they're there.

"Hopefully the handicapper isn't too hard on him."

The Stewards interviewed W.M. Lordan, rider of Under Review, concerning the fact that he appeared to move across before reaching the marker poles. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered evidence from the rider, the Stewards were of the opinion W.M. Lordan was in breach of Rule 211 (a) and having taken his record in this regard into account, they fined him €100 .

The Stewards requested a report from A. Oliver, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Above The Law, winner, as compared with its most recent run at Dundalk on 10th January, where it finished 9th of 11, beaten approximately 5 lengths.

Mr Oliver reported that his charge sweated up badly before the race last time and as a result ran poorly, and so he fitted him with a hood today in an attempt to keep him settled and relaxed so he could do himself justice in the race. Also, his rider suggested he change tactics today as he thought he would be happier to let him bowl along in front and these 2 factors may have brought about any improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

(GC & EM)