Swiss Swoo (Billy Lee, nearside) beats Newpark (Seamie Heffernan)© Photo Healy Racing
Division one of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden saw an excellent effort from the front from newcomer Newpark (100/1), but he was touched off by a neck by 10/1 shot Swiss Swoo
Favourite Skilled Warrior had to settle for third, three parts of a length back, with the trio nicely ahead of the rest.
The Billy Lee-ridden victor, built nicely on a debut sixth placing last month, chasing the leader in second for most.
Ridden under two furlongs out, he strongly pressed the leader inside the final furlong, staying on well to lead near the line.
“He's improved a lot. The form of his first run was pretty good and I thought he should improve,” said successful handler Denise 'Sneezy' Foster.
“He's just coming to himself now and I think there is more improvement in him.
"He's a little bit childish sometimes, in his head, but out there he was professional and Billy said he would come on again.
“He's for sale and that'll do no harm. The plan before tonight was to go for a mile maiden in two weeks time, as he really wants a mile.
“Billy agreed with that tonight, that he wants a mile. We'll have to wait now and see if the phone rings.”
The Stewards interviewed W.J. Lee, rider of Swiss Swoo, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he had exceeded the permitted number of strikes. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that W.J. Lee was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered W. J. Lee's record in this regard the stewards cautioned him on this occasion.
At the request of the Stewards, O.J. Orr, rider of Retro Flame trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount is a small filly, that was very green and got tired in the last half a furlong.
(GC & EM)
