Improving Eiri wins another

Sean Flanagan was narrowly denied a Galway treble when his mount Bashful Beauty just came up short under top-weight in the Guinness Handicap Chase. Trainer/rider Denis Hogan took the spoils here on the Eiri Na Casca

Supported at the track from 9/1 into 7/1 the patiently ridden Eiri Na Casca was produced from off the pace with his challenge in the straight, and he got the upper hand close home for a half length win.

"He battled well. I intended dropping him in a bit but maybe not that far," disclosed Hogan afterwards.

"They went so fast and I knew with a circuit to go that I'd be bang there next time round. I needed to get a clean run with traffic and I did, and he jumped good.

"It's great and he is improving away the whole time. This time last year he was raw and he was third over two mile six here and he didn't get home.

"Now we are dropping him in over two two, so he is very versatile. For some reason he doesn't jump hurdles great.

"He is handicapped 95 over hurdles, but he is going to struggle to win a hurdle, he is a real chaser. Two to two and a half is far enough for him.

"It's great for Adrian (McNamara), he has been a lucky owner and I think that is six winners for him in maybe a year.

"I have a great team of staff at home, they are absolutely the backbone of the operation. They are doing all the work, we are away racing a lot, and we've a great team of owners."

The Stewards interviewed D.G. Hogan, rider of Eiri Na Casca, concerning his use of the whip in 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 that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) and 10.4, in that he used the whip with excessive frequency and without giving his mount time to respond and having considered his record, suspended him for three race days.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Air Command trained by J.H. Culloty, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race(samples taken for analysis).

(DM & EM)