Seanie and Connor King kept going well to land Tipperary's third© Photo Healy Racing
In the words of trainer David Marnane, Connor King and Seanie (9/1), "did well to get to the front from his wide draw but he got a soft lead," and that good start carried the Listowel Festival winner all the way to victory in the Tote Jackpot Race 3 To 6 Handicap at Tipperary.
King asked Seanie, winner of a big money Fairyhouse sales race back in 2011, for more from over a furlong out and he kept going well to beat Bubbly Bellini by a length and three parts.
The runner-up didn't go un-backed at 8/1 and of course he also finished in the silver medal position in this race twelve months back.
"He has been frustrating but he's amassed plenty of prize-money and he should be at the Dubai Carnival mark now.
"The owner (Mayo's Damian Lavelle) already has two others for Dubai in Elleval and Jamesie and he might bring this fella as well," reported Marnane.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving Beacon Lodge ridden by D.J. Casey, Cliff House ridden by N.G. McCullagh and Oor Jock ridden by R.P. Downey, where it appeared Beacon Lodge and Cliff House suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion R.P. Downey was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having taken his record into account, they cautioned him accordingly.
(TW & EM)
