O'Dwyer and Barry have another good one Shay Barry's newcomer Thumb Stone Blues was a 'buzz' horse from early in the day (20s in the morning into 11/2) for the concluding kilbegganraces.com (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race and he got the job done nicely under Richie Kiely. The High Chaparral gelding overcame signs of inexperience in the straight to get the better of Loughmore Queen and Coffee Cantata by two lengths and half a length. "We've always liked this lad," revealed Barry. "I thought Richie might just have hit the front too soon as he's green and leery but he had plenty left in the locker. "The owner (Peter O'Dwyer) is a seller. His last one topped the sales (Sligo winner Cracked Rear View) so I'd say he'll be looking to sell him too. He's a cracking horse." The Stewards fined P.G. Fahey, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Coffee Cantata, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order. The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Gentleman Moore, ridden by Mr R.A.Devine, unplaced, Loughmore Queen, ridden by Mr D. Roche, placed second and Troubled Soul, ridden by Mr J.F. O'Meara, unplaced, where it appeared that Loughmore Queen caused interference when making her challenge along the inside. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was caused by Mr D. Roche riding carelessly and consequently suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration. (GC & EM)
