Sharlouk off the mark in Foxrock Sharlouk took full advantage of 102-rated Eternal Silence's absence in the opening maiden at Leopardstown when powering to victory. Johnny Murtagh's Zoustar colt went off 6/5 favourite on the back of a fourth place in a mile maiden at this track last month. Seamie Heffernan availed of stall one to send Subzero on with Sharlouk eyeing them in a close third at the three pole. Subzero came off the bridle turning for home as Sharlouk closed travelling well in second. The pursuer claimed the leader a furlong and a half down and Ben Coen rode him to assert with a furlong to race. Subzero kept in there in second and was clear of the remainder, however, there was no catching Sharlouk who kept on to win by two and a-half lengths. Runner-up Subzero went off at 2/1 and finished five and a-half lengths clear of 150/1 outsider Mimosa Park. Murtagh said:“He’s improving and probably didn’t stay the distance the last time. He travels like a very good horse in behind. He’s still learning. “He’s a big, gross horse so I think he’ll improve with a bit of racing, but he has an engine. “I’ve no firm plans but I’ll speak with Pat (Downes, racing manager) and the team. “He cruises very well and being by Zoustar you would like to thing he would handle better ground as well.” The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of fourth-placed Hero Blues (GB), ridden by J. Kearney, and trained by G.M.Lyons. Evidence was heard from the rider and Shane Lyons, Authorised Representative for G. M. Lyons concerned. J. Kearney, stated that he was outpaced throughout but came home well. Shane Lyons, stated that he was happy with the ride on a green horse. The horse was examined by the IHRB Veterinary Officer and was found to be post race normal, samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J. Kearney was in breach of R.212 A (iv) in that he eased up prematurely and having considered his record in this regard they suspended J. Kearney for two racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
