Quarry Rocco and James O'Sullivan pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Quarry Rocco overcame some trouble in running to take the opener at Ballinrobe this evening, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.
Successful on his sole point-to-point start at Liscarroll in March when trained by Paul O'Flynn, the Shirocco gelding disappointed in a bumper on his debut for current connections.
An encouraging fourth on his most recent start at Galway, the Philip Rothwell-trained five-year-old was expected to go a few places better this evening and was sent off the 9/4 favourite.
Settled behind the leaders by James O'Sullivan, the bay victor was short of room on the inner away from two out.
He had to patiently wait for a gap to appear on the run-in and when it eventually arrived, he shot to the front inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by a length-and-a-quarter.
Returned the 7/2 second favourite, Silver King filled the runner-up spot under Richie Condon for Oliver McKiernan, while Tomas O'Maille (10/1) was just half-a-length away in third.
"I'm delighted he got there in the end and at the line, I think he won quite well. He looked like he was in a little bit of trouble turning out of the back but I suppose he's fairly green," Rothwell commented.
"My first run with him was hugely disappointing in a bumper at Tipperary. He got very lit up and I've no idea why. We gave him a little break and we brought him back at Galway where the ground came up soft. We took our time with him there and he ran a lovely race.
"I just thought we'd keep him at this sort of trip around a tighter track until he really learned to settle properly.
"He did everything very well today. I put James on him today because I think he's exceptionally good over an obstacle and he jumped brilliant with him the whole way.
"I'm delighted for his owner Oliver Barden. Oliver and his family love their jump racing and they travel the length and breadth of Ireland to support their horses."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards interviewed D. Moloney, rider of Tomas O Maille concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. D. Moloney accepted he was in breach of Regulation 10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards found D. Moloney in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and considering his record in this regard they suspended him for six racedays.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Casey West trained by P.J. Rothwell was seen to have blood at both nostrils post race.
The Raceday Stewards enquired from D. Moloney, rider of Tomas O Maille, in relation to the fact where his whip appeared to connect with the head of Quarry Rocco when attempting to strike his mount. D. Moloney stated that as he was attempting to strike his mount the horse beside him manoeuvered close to his mount and the whip connected with its head. He added that he was mid strike when Quarry Rocco manoevered close to him and he stopped using his whip until there was room again to do so. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the riders explanation and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
