Light Brigade leaves troubles behind to shed maiden tag

Well-bred Light Brigade (8/13 into 2/5) landed the odds in the Bar One Racing Supporting Irish Injured Jockeys Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse but not before giving his backers some cause for concern.

The Charles Byrnes-trained five-year-old had to fight his corner for space on the inner from before the straight.

He eventually muscled his way through between runners to deliver his bid, and though not appearing to do a whole lot on the run-in the Leading Light gelding kept going well enough to see off Purdey’s Gift by half a length.

“It was a good opportunity as he was getting 8lb and he likes the ground,” said Byrnes.

“He had things in his favour today as he was well in. He made heavy enough work of it but he won anyway.

“It's great to get the win out of him. He'll probably go handicapping now.”

Light Brigade fell at the last when in front in a Limerick maiden hurdle in November. He's bounced back well after breaking a bone in his forehead when struck by a horse coming in behind that day.

D.J. McInerney, rider of Wild River Ridge trained by Victor Wilson, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran free and green.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Tango Theatre ridden by C.D. Walsh, and trained by John C. McConnell. Evidence was heard from the rider and the authorised representative for the trainer concerned. C.D. Walsh, stated that his instructions were to drop his mount in and get her to finish. However, he stated that he had left his mount with too much to do and had let the leaders get too far ahead of him. Furthermore, he added that he probably should have been harder on his mount. Martin Fox, Authorised representative, confirmed the instructions given and said he was delighted with the horse. He added that the horses in front had stayed on strongly and that they had gotten first run on his charge and he felt that the rider will only improve with experience. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Tango Theatre was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that John C. McConnell and C. D. Walsh were in breach of Rule 212A (ii). Having taken both persons previous record into consideration, the Stewards fined John C. McConnell €3,000, suspended Tango Theatre from running for 60 days and suspended C. D. Walsh for 21 days with his riding fee to be forfeited.

(GC & EM)