Middleton Rare wins readily under Townend In the colours of the Four Provinces Of Ireland Syndicate, Middleton Rare comfortably accounted for his eight rivals in the concluding Bet Builder At Novibet (Ladies Pro/Am) INH Flat Race. Like earlier winner Redstone, the five-year-old was also trained by Ian Donoghue when competing in point-to-points, finishing sixth on his debut for Dermot McLoughlin at Ballinrobe in May. Second and fourth on his next two starts, the Champs Elysees gelding (also the sire of opening race winner Leahs Tricks) was sent off a 3/1 chance this afternoon, from early shows of 9/1. Settled in mid-division by Jody Townend, the bay victor took closer order with six-furlongs to race and swept to the front early in the straight. He readily stretched clear inside the final furlong and came home 10-lengths clear of Insouciant Dallier (16/1) and Emily Cody in second, with a further six-lengths back to Rocco Boy (11/2) in third. A third beaten odds-on favourite for Gordon Elliott this afternoon, Zefiro Dodville (5/6f) could only manage a disappointing fifth under Aine O'Connor. "He's after running some nice races in bumpers. Jody said he settled well on that ground, they went a good gallop and he picked up," McLoughlin commented. "I'd say we'll go jumping now." STEWARDS REPORTS * Miss A.B. O'Connor, rider of Zefiro Dodville (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung badly left throughout. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed Audrey Satabin, rider of Locorotondo, concerning her use of the whip in closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted she was in breach of the regulation and apologised for her actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Audrey Satabin was in breach R.10.3(g)(frequency)and R.10.3(i)(time to respond) and considering her record in this regard they suspended her for 6 race days. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Zefiro Dodville (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * Miss H. Heffernan, rider of Hercrazysbeautiful, trained by James Andrew Fahey, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount ran keen and clipped a heel. Having reviewed the incident the Raceday Stewards were satisfied no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
