Leopardstown win secured and on to Gowran now for Overheer Following on from a couple of second placings last month Overheer went a position better to beat a big field of rivals in the first division of the Plusvital Handicap at Leopardstown. For the bang-in-form Joe Murphy outfit Oisin Orr took the reins on the Heeraat gelding, and he got the five-year-old there late to beat Kosman by half a length. There were the same margins then to Longbourn and Oneiroi in third and fourth. Overheer, the 7/2 market-leader, was adding to a Tipperary success achieved last September. “That was well deserved. He's in Gowran on Monday and he'll probably run there,” said Murphy. “He's very honest and has been unlucky a few times. He's a lovely horse to have, very genuine and I'm delighted for the horse.” J.M. Sheridan, rider of Longbourn trained by Ross O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung turning in but it made no difference to his placing. R.P. Cleary, rider of Oneiroi trained by D.Buckley, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left up the straight. Sam Ewing, rider of Razdan trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was very keen early on. The Stewards enquired into an incident in the back straight involving Dedillon, ridden by A.J. Slattery, unplaced, Leabaland, ridden by R.P. Whelan, unplaced, Overheer (GB), ridden by O.J. Orr, placed first, Imposing Supreme, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed fifth, Kosman, ridden by J.A. Powell, placed second, Hot Voice, ridden by K.J. Manning, unplaced and Razdan, ridden by Sam Ewing, unplaced, where it appeared Razdan met with interference and stumbled. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. A.J. Slattery stated that he tried to pull back to create room when he saw Razdan running keen. R.P. Whelan stated that he was on the rail and didn't meet with any interference. O.J. Orr stated that he heard a shout from behind but didn't feel any interference and kept his line. C.D. Hayes stated that he saw the interference happening on his inside so he stayed wide. K.J. Manning stated that he wasn't affected by the interference. Sam Ewing stated that his horse ran very keen and he was trying to take a pull when his horse stumbled. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards deemed the incident accidental and took no further action. Sam Ewing was accompanied in this enquiry by Niall Almond. Mr. J.M. McGrath absented himself from this enquiry. J.A. Powell, rider of Kosman trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount leaned in when challenging. (GC & EM)
