Off a 710 day break Georges Conn a son of a graded mare in Georges Girl, got off the mark at the fifth time of asking to bring up an opening race Ballinrobe double for Gordon Elliott and Paul Carberry in the Mayo News Maiden Hurdle.

Despite his lengthy absence from action, the Don't Tell The Woman Syndicate's attractive Whitmore's Conn gelding seemed to be fancied (100/30 into 5/2) and he benefited from a wonderful waiting ride from Carberry.

He was his usual coolness personified to bring through Georges Conn from an impossible looking position from two out, to catch Nimdani at the last. From there he eased on to triumph by three and a quarter lengths.

"I'd say it was a poor race," reasoned Elliott.

"He was a long time off the track and we thought he would come on for the run.

"I told the owners not to bother coming down but they will be alright with a few extra quid in their accounts.

"I think he will come on a bit for that and he is a nice horse to go jumping fences with."

Elliott and Carberry had landed the opener with Mr Steadfast

The Stewards interviewed B.R. Dalton, rider of Sportsfield concerning his use of the whip in 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 that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g), in that he used the whip with the arm above shoulder height and having considered his record, cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.

(DM & EM)