"Honest fella" Raffaello has the layers running for cover

Jockey Nathan Crosse had to engineer a passage through up the inner to get the gambled on Raffaello (10/1 into 5/1 favourite) home in the BetVictor Bet 5 Get 30 Offer Handicap at Gowran.

A steward’s enquiry was called but there was no alteration to the judge’s placing as Raffaello was confirmed the three parts of a length victor over Airgead

The Willie McCreery owned and trained Raffaello had to get up the rail past eventual third Libras Power in the final quarter mile, which he managed to do to lead narrowly a furlong out.

A son of War Command, the victor edged left close home but the win was achieved by that stage.

“He’s well-related and his two sisters won for me. Dolce Strega won a Group 3 and Bumbasina was Listed placed. He’s an honest fella but had some terrible draws. That’s the first day he had a good draw and I’m delighted," said McCreery on his three-year-old, drawn two here and supported down from 16s earlier.

“He’s entered at Leopardstown on Thursday so we’ll see what he (the handicapper) does and we might run him again. I think he wants a bit of an ease in the ground as well.”

Meanwhile on his Queen Mary Wednesday Royal Ascot contender Ickworth the Kildare handler stated: "Ickworth is in good form but I’d like it to dry a bit more. The more it dries the better but there is to be rain on Tuesday night. I’m looking forward to it if we get good underfoot.”

C.D. Hayes, rider of Jarrocho trained by David Marnane, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got a slight bump at the furlong pole.

N.M. Crosse, rider of Raffaello trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left in the straight.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Libras Power, ridden by S. Foley, placed third and Raffaello, ridden by N.M. Crosse, placed first, where it appeared Raffaello ran short of room on the rail and later drifted towards the stands in the closing stages. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was accidental, they made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.

The Stewards requested a report from W. McCreery, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Raffaello, placed first, as compared with its most recent form. The trainer reported that his charge had disappointed on his previous run at Fairyhouse, when a poor draw and fast ground were less than suitable. He felt an ease in the ground conditions and a more favourable draw, had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(AM & EM)