Mastermind (Robbie Power) leads Pete So High (Jack Kennedy) and Room To Roam (Kevin Sexton) home© Photo Healy Racing
Robbie Power deputised for an unwell Denis O'Regan on Mastermind and the Nathaniel gelding proved well up to the task in the Naas RFC Supported By Profile Systems Rated Novice Hurdle.
It was still any one of three going to the last, but Mastermind made most and he was in no mood to be denied.
Try as Pete So High and Room To Roam might, they couldn't get by the Charles O'Brien-trained victor, and at the line he had three lengths and three parts of a length in hand.
"It was about one o'clock and I was on my way racing when my agent Ciaran O'Toole rang me to say that I was riding him. It's hard luck on Denis but he's not feeling very well (stomach bug)," said Power.
"There was no real pace in the race and Charles left it up to me. He said if there is pace drop in and if not let him bowl along in front. He settled beautifully, jumped real well and toughed it out well. He stays well.
"He probably wants a bit nicer ground and two and a half miles would be ideal for him."
The Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Pete So High (GER), 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 J.W. Kennedy was in breach of R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip.
Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended J.W. Kennedy for 1 raceday.
(AM & EM)
