Vafortino's performance makes for an excellent start at Roscommon

With the defections of San Martino and Montenotte from the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race the Roscommon opener came down to just four. It still produced a good race and an impressive winner in the shape of Vafortino

Mikey Sheehy had to wait for a gap in the straight on Joseph O’Brien’s runner but there was no doubting the superiority of the New Bay colt once in the clear.

The well-backed 8/11 shot powered on inside the final furlong to beat Eastern Voice by three and three parts of a length.

O’Brien’s representative Brendan Powell said: “They went a good gallop. He has been a bit keen but he settled well today and Mikey said he picked up and stayed that seven well up the hill.

“Over that trip or up to a mile there could be a Stakes race in him. Mikey said he handled the ground perfectly well.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident over one furlong from the finish involving Vafortino, ridden by M.P. Sheehy, placed first and Los Andes (USA), ridden by S. Foley, placed third, where it appeared that Vafortino caused interference in manoeuvering his way out to deliver a challenge.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned with M.P. Sheehy giving his evidence in the presence of Brendan Powell, Authorised representative for Joseph Patrick O'Brien, trainer of Vafortino.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that M.P. Sheehy had ridden carelessly, this being a breach of Rule 214.

Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended M.P. Sheehy for 1 raceday.

(AM & EM)