Isotope sheds maiden tag at first attempt on turf Isotope (8s into 7s) carried across progressive Dundalk form to make a winning debut on turf in the Racing Home For Easter Festival Handicap at Cork. Shedding his maiden tag at the sixth time of asking, the O'Brien family owned/trained and ridden son of Footstepsinthesand prevailed by a neck and two and three parts of a length from Bodhicitta and Pensylvania Avenue. Third at Dundalk at 100/1 on his previous outing, this time Aaron Boy was a 50/1 chance and he filled the fourth spot, three and a half lengths back. Isotope tracked the leaders on the outer under Donnacha O'Brien, and he was third at the halfway stage. Pushed along early in the straight the Joseph O'Brien-trained three-year-old was ridden to lead a furlong and a half out. Soon strongly pressed Isotope was under pressure and kept on well inside the final furlong to gain the day. At the request of the Stewards, W.J. Lee, rider of The Names Jock, trained by John E. Kiely, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he had to check his mount in running. The Stewards interviewed A.C. Persse, rider of Syrena, 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 satisfied that A.C. Persse was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned A.C. Persse. The Stewards interviewed H.J. Horgan, rider of Aaron Boy, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned in the presence of Joseph O'Brien, trainer, who accompanied H.J. Horgan. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that H.J. Horgan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(h) in that he used his whip with the arm above shoulder height. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended H.J. Horgan for 1 raceday. (TW & EM)
