There were a few of them that were lively in the betting for the 8.35 at Dundalk, the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Handicap. These included the winner, Bomber Jackson who was backed in from around 14s this morning to his starting price of 8/1.

Gearoid Brouder tried to pinch this one from the front, aboard outsider, Singapore Secret but when he was reeled in from over a furlong out it boiled down to a match between two contenders from the Carlow/Kilkenny region, Bomber Jackson and Pepparpot

Mag Mullins' Pepparpot had himself been supported in from around 12s earlier in the day into 9/2, but he just failed to Jane Foley's home-bred, Bomber Jackson, the margin between the pair at the line being a head.

The other one for money, 9/4 favourite Manorov got blocked trying to come through from behind, after leaving his wide draw. He did okay in the circumstances to be fifth at the line.

"I expected him to win after his last mishap (clipped heels and unseated rider shortly after the start on December 19th) and gave Ronan (Whelan, winning rider) plenty of positive vibes -he was delighted," said Mrs Foley.

"He gave him a brilliant ride and had him exactly where he should have done."

The Stewards enquired into the actions of R.P. Downey (rider of Rising Euro after weighing out for this race when he was observed changing his body protector.

Evidence was heard from P.D. Matthews, Senior Stipendiary Steward, who stated that he was in the jockey's changing room when he observed R.P. Downey discarding the body protector that he had used for weighing out and replacing it with another one.

He added that the original body protector had no crotch strap and could not be zipped as it was broken, therefore rendering it to be in an unserviceable condition. R.P. Downey, Apprentice Jockey, agreed with the evidence of P.D. Matthews and added that he had used the unapproved body protector to ensure that his weight was perfect and had changed to the approved model after weighing out and in the knowledge that it would not create an overweight situation.

He apologised for his actions which amounted to cheating the scales and considered them to be inappropriate when he was never going to be overweight. The recorded figures presented at this enquiry showed that R.P. Downey had weighed out with the unapproved body protector showing 119.3lbs and had reweighed out with the approved body protector showing 119.9lbs. He weighed in correctly.

Having considered all the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that R.P. Downey was in breach of Rules 198(v) and (vi) with further reference to R10 (Body Protectors).

They suspended him for 4 racedays but informed R.P. Downey that factors taken into account included his very honest evidence and good record which resulted in the suspension period being less than the recommended penalty guideline.

P.D. Matthews, Acting Steward, did not participate in the deliberations as he had acted as a witness in this case.

The Stewards wished to interview Gerard Brouder, rider of Singapore Secret, concerning his use of the whip in this race. However, as he had departed the track despite having been informed that he was required to attend an enquiry, the Stewards therefore referred the matter to the Referrals Committee.

(GC & EM)