Naas winner Carlton Banks has Levins looking forward to 2022

Carlton Banks scored on his third start, building on a promising Curragh second placing in September, to land the SOBAC soil.ie Launches Soil UK Ltd Maiden at Naas for Johnny Levins and Donagh O'Connor (100th winner).

The Esteem Racing Club Prince Of Lir gelding got the better of Mickey The Steel by a neck to supply his County Kildare-based handler with a very welcome success.

“I'm delighted with that, it was a very game performance,” said Levins.

“We were going to run him at Dundalk because we were worried about the ground but we thought he'd learn more on the turf and we needed to get more experience into him.

“The ground was a worry and the trip is too short for him. Donagh was very complimentary about him, he said he was straight as a gun barrel but didn't go in the ground and the trip was short.

“His class, ability and temperament got him through. I'd imagine we'll put him away now and that will put a smile on his face.

“He will physically develop and he could just be a lovely horse to look forward to next year.

“We didn't run him at two as he was physically and mentally backward and the penny is only starting to drop now.

“It's hard to find out their trip with these horses when they have so much ability, they run well in spite of things.

“We are still learning about him and have only trained him very quietly this year and last year. That's only his third run and I've a lot to learn about him.

“We'll take baby steps with him and see how much he develops over the winter.”

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. P.L. Malone, that Adrian O'Shea, rider of Diamondsinthesand had presented himself at scales at 1 lb overweight in addition to the 2lbs probable overweight already declared under Rule 195 at the time of closing for the nomination of riders. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he was unable to arrange the use of a sauna. He advised the Stewards that his mount was a four year old having his first career run and was a difficult ride. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Adrian O'Shea was in breach of Rule 198 and fined him €150 on this occasion. The Stewards allowed Adrian O'Shea to ride Diamondsinthesand.

The Stewards interviewed Adrian O'Shea, rider of Diamondsinthesand, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence Adrian O'Shea stated that his mount had lugged in for a few strides but admitted that his overall use was unacceptable. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Adrian O'Shea was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Adrian O'Shea for seven racedays.

(GC & EM)