Smaoineamh Sile holds Doctor Grace by half a length© Photo Healy Racing
Last season's champion apprentice Jamie Powell rode his first winner of this campaign aboard the returning Smaoineamh Sile in division two of the nine-furlong handicap.
John McConnell 's charge won this race two years ago and was back in action off a break of 265 days. This was Smaoineamh Sile's four career success with three coming in Foxrock.
Powell had the plum draw in stall one and, although she wasn't away well, she availed of a lovely seam up the inner to grab the lead after a furlong.
She dictated thereafter and had enough in the tank at the business end to grab the spoils by half a length from Doctor Grace who rattled home in second at 9/2. He Knows When (16/1) finished third, beaten a length and three-parts by the winner.
McConnell said: “Peter (Commane) has had three horses with the Sile name and they have all now won four races. They are all tough, genuine fillies.
“I thought she would need the run a little bit, but she got an easy lead and she is good around here (third course and distance win).
“She will probably go to Bellewstown now. She obviously handles it (won there last year) and stays a mile very well. A mile and one is probably just at the end of her stamina.”
The Raceday Stewards interviewed Adam Caffrey, rider of fourth-placed Comfort Line concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Adam Caffrey accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found Adam Caffrey was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and considering his record in this regard (second offence) they suspended him for four racedays.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.A. Powell, rider of Smaoineamh Sile (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. J.A. Powell accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found J.A. Powell was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and considering his record in this regard (second offence) they suspended him for four racedays.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
