Wave just prevails to complete double for McConnell Mullaghmore Wave provided John McConnell with a double at Downpatrick, as she just prevailed in the Frank & Brian Fitzsimmons Memorial Mares Handicap Hurdle. Upped fourteen pounds for an easy win at Ballinrobe last month, the daughter of Scorpion was sent off a 9/2 chance this afternoon. In second from halfway, she closed on the front-running Lighthouse Rose before two out and improved to dispute the lead after that flight. The Brian Hayes ridden victor edged to the front inside the final 200 yards but she soon edged right and bumped Lighthouse Rose, with just half a length separating the pair at the line. A stewards enquiry was call but the result remained unaltered. The runner-up, who won this race twelve months ago, was returned the well-backed 6/4 favourite (from 9/4) under Cathal Landers for Mark McNiff. The front duo went six lengths clear of Finding Joy (7/2) in third. McConnell, who took the opener with Ally Cay, said: "We were touch and go about running so I'm glad we did now! They didn't have any rain really since this morning. She's a proper quick-ground filly. "Mark's (McNiff) horse is a decent filly (Lighthouse Rose) around here so it was a good performance to get on top of her. She wants every yard of that trip; she will stay further." On turning the corner with two victories in-a-row, he said: "The ground is a big factor for her and the trip. She is a big filly and she is probably only coming to herself. "Something to look forward to maybe chasing next year." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Lighthouse Rose, ridden by C.A. Landers, placed second and Mullaghmore Wave, ridden by B. Hayes, placed first, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. C. A. Landers stated that he had suffered interference all the way up the straight, that there was contact between the two horses and he felt it had cost him the race. B. Hayes stated that C. A. Lander's horse had bumped him first and he had won well at the line. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that while Mullaghmore Wave had caused interference to Lighthouse Rose, she did not improve her finishing position as a result of the interference so they made no alteration to the judge's placings. They were, however, of the opinion that B. Hayes was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard the Stewards suspended B. Hayes for three racedays. * P. Townend, rider of Rain In Spain trained by Charles O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled. * C.A. Landers, rider of Lighthouse Rose trained by Mark Michael McNiff, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was stopped three times up the straight. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
