More joy for Val O'Brien yard Ice Cool won his second race in as many starts for his new yard of Val O'Brien when following up on his Clonmel win from nine days ago in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown. Outofcologne was right there with her chance when falling at the second last and in the end the Donagh Meyler ridden Ice Cool (evens) fended off Mista Wabbit Man by half a length. O'Brien revealed: "He'll need a bit of a break after two races on that ground, and we'll find something for him in three to four weeks. "He went up 11lbs for his last win so we nearly had to run here." Ice Cool was a fifth winning favourite from six races today at Punchestown. The Martin Cullinane-owned (former owner/trainer of Ice Cool) Jazz Ranger was the only surprise, going in at odds of 16/1 in race four. R.A. Doyle, rider of Famous Ballerina trained by J.A.Berry, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and was pulled up. K.M. Smith, rider of The Church Gate trained by Matthew J. Smith, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly to the left during this race. The Stewards interviewed D. Meyler, rider of Ice Cool (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter 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 of the opinion that D. Meyler was in breach of R10(3)(e) by hitting his mount other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters and consequently suspended him for 1 raceday having taken his recent previous record into consideration. (AM & EM)
