Shannon scores for McKiernan & Browne On The Shannon recorded his second win of the season as he took the Fred Kenny Lifetime Service To Racing Novice Handicap Chase under Barry Browne for Oliver McKiernan. Successful at Naas in November the son of Presenting was then second to Moonlone Lane over the course before disappointing at Leopardstown at Christmas. He finished a good third to Bearly Legal on his most recent effort at Leopardstown and he was sent off a 6/1 chance today. Prominent throughout on the outer he was pushed along in third as they entered the straight. Plenty were still in with a chance after the second last when Glenwood For Ever and Milanesque swerved left to avoid colliding with a rail. This resulted in Flynsini and Glenwood For Ever being hampered and losing there chance. On The Shannon had a clear passage towards the stand side and he raced through to lead on the approach to the final fence, keeping on well on the run-in to score by three and a quarter lengths. Some Drama (8/1), Andrew Lynch for Dermot McLoughlin, and Give Me A Break (5/1), Barry Geraghty for Michael Hourigan, dead-heated for second, while the 3/1 favourite Milanesque was two lengths back in fourth. Oliver McKiernan said afterwards: "We always felt he would be a better horse on a bit better ground. "He was a bit disappointing in Leopardstown when he missed a couple of fences early on and lost interest. "Barry gave him a great ride. He didn't rush him and got him into a nice rhythm. He jumps fences with more confidence on better ground. "He'll probably go to Punchestown if there is a race there for him. "He has a lot of improving to do. I think he's getting stronger - he was very weak and is a very big horse. "If he keeps improving hopefully next year he might get into one of the big handicaps off a low weight. He should stay well." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Stewards interviewed Alan Fleming, trainer of Blue Bicycle (USA), in relation to his request to withdraw his charge at 4.41 p.m. Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that his runners yesterday and today had disappointed and consequently he had concerns about the well being of his horses and did not want to risk running this animal. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed Alan Fleming to withdraw Blue Bicycle (USA) but imposed a fine of E200 for the late withdrawal of his charge. * The Stewards enquired into an incident between the last 2 fences involving Milanesque, ridden by R.M. Power, Flynsini, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, and Glenwood For Ever, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, where it appeared Milanesque and Flynsini 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 that Rachael Blackmore was in breach of Rule 214 in that she had ridden carelessly and consequently suspended her for 2 racedays having taking her clean record into consideration. * The Stewards interviewed Mr B. Browne, rider of On The Shannon, 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 Mr B. Browne was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency, R10(3)(a) by hitting his mount in front of the saddle with his whip in the forehand position and R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip. The Stewards consequently suspended Mr B. Browne for 7 racedays having taken his previous recent record into consideration. * A.L.T.Moore, trainer of Ballycahane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was pulled up after the saddle had slipped during the early part of this race. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
