Oliveraie promotion gives Smullen a double

There was a reversal in the positions of the first two home in the Curragh 2016 Starts 20th March Handicap as Oliveraie second past the post to Clear Focus got the verdict in the steward's room to supply his rider, Pat Smullen, with a double (took the 1st on Raymonda .

Oliveraie was carried to the left, and bumped, when challenging, by the drifting Clear Focus, and after the half a length verdict an enquiry was called.

Following the amendment, Oliveraie's trainer David Marnane said: "He gave him a couple of bumps, there's not much in it. Ours is a big tall gangly horse and when they get knocked off line like that it's not easy.

"It was fifty fifty but like I said when you bump a horse like that you're knocking a bit of wind out of them as well, it's not just the distance given away, it's a physical things as well.

"He's always worked very well. He's actually been a little frustrating if all truth be told. Pat rode him here the last day and he went well though.

"We gelded him since and put first time blinkers on. He travelled very well so hopefully he might just step up on this again. It's a while since he ran and he's been gelded since so hopefully.

"Maybe a winter under his belt would do him the world of good."

Before the change Tom McCourt said of Clear Focus: "She's a tough little filly. She is what she is but she's been very consistent all summer.

"A stiff six furlongs suit her and she'll probably get seven. Saying that though she could possibly go to Cork for a five furlong race if it stays on the slow side.

"She's had a busy year so she'll get a bit of a break shortly and could come back in January.

"She's been a fun filly as she only cost 800."

On the campaign in general McCourt reflected: "We've probably just had a lot of moderate horses. The one or two that we thought might have been decent, My Good Brother and Kiss The Stars, haven't really fired.

"When we have one or two that don't fire like that, we don't have much to back them up."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Oliveraie (GB), ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second and Clear Focus, ridden by K.J. Leonard, placed first, where it appeared that Clear Focus drifted towards Oliveraie (GB) inside the final furlong. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Clear Focus had improved her placing over Oliveraie (GB) by causing him interference and consequently reversed the placings' with the amended result to read: First; Oliveraie (GB), Second; Clear Focus. T.G. McCourt, trainer of Clear Focus, attended this enquiry with K. J. Leonard.

The Stewards were of the opinion that K.J. Leonard had caused the interference by riding carelessly and suspended him for 2 racedays having taken his clean previous record into consideration.

S. Foley, rider of Billyford trained by Liam Roche, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his action inside the final furlong.

C. O'Donoghue, rider of Roryslittlesister trained by S.M.Duffy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was never travelling on ground that was too quick for her.

(GC & EM)