Vastonea back at the number one "He's been a great old servant but we thought he had gone last year. He never looked as well as he does today," said Jeremy Harley after the Kevin Prendergast-trained Vastonea bounced back to winning ways under Dylan Hogan in the Follow Naas Racecourse On Facebook Handicap. The successful grey, now an eight-year-old, has been a marvellous servant to connections, and here at odds of 14/1 he weaved his way through from the back and eventually got home by a neck from Beechmount Whisper. "Maybe he'll go back to Galway, not for the big one (twice a winner of the valuable Topaz Mile) but I'm sure we'll find something for him there," added Harley. Strong 11/8 favourite Ace Of Diamonds was eased when beaten and he only had Murmuration behind him at the finish. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Ace Of Diamonds, trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Blowing Hard post race. The Stewards interviewed O.J. Orr, rider of Beechmount Whisper, placed second, concerning his use of the whip in the closing 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 O.J. Orr was in breach of Regulation 10 3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency, and having taken his good record into account, they cautioned him accordingly. Furthermore they advised O.J. Orr to familiarise himself with the rules regarding the use of the whip. K.J. Manning, rider of Murmuration trained by Brendan W.Duke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost her action in the straight. (AM & EM)
