Housesofparliament (Barry Geraghty) comes to beat High Nellie (Cathal Landers) © Photo Healy Racing
The featured Ashgrove Stables Jack Duggan Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Gowran saw Barry Geraghty complete a double aboard 4/1 favourite Housesofparliament
Owned by J P McManus and trained by Joseph O'Brien, the up in trip Galileo gelding collared pace-setter High Nellie after the last to secure a length and three parts success.
McManus racing manager Frank Berry said: "He ran well in Ballinrobe.
"The trip suited him today and so did the fast ground. He jumped really well and we'll find another race for him somewhere along the way. He battled it out well."
In race two Geraghty got Smitty Bacall (9/2) up between Judgement Day (3rd) and Zaofu (2nd) close home to shade the verdict by a head and a short head in the Gain (C & G) Maiden Hurdle.
Galway is now in the thoughts of winning trainer Shay Barry.
The Stewards fined Thomas Gibney, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Penance, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Penance in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(iv). The Stewards also received a report from The I.H.R.B. Veterinary officer, who reported the animal to be lame when presented.
Katie O'Farrell, rider of Sutton Manor trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount did not let himself down on the ground.
Rachael Blackmore, rider of The Mulcare Rover trained by John J. Walsh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount was hampered by a faller and was pulled up thereafter.
J.W. Kennedy, rider of Small World trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was hampered by a faller and was pulled up thereafter.
The Stewards received a report from Mr. P.L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that K.C. Sexton, rider of Toushan weighed in at 1.2 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that K.C. Sexton was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record, they cautioned him.
(DM & EM)
