The versatile Colla Pier got off the mark over fences, as she took the Daily Mirror Mares Beginners Chase under Robbie Dunne for his owner/trainer brother David.

A winner on the all-weather at Dundalk last month, the eight-year-old daughter of Hawk Wing was sent off at 6/1 today having finishing third on her last start over fences at Perth.

Towards rear in the early stages, she improved into mid-division down the back straight, and was fifth from four out.

She came with her challenge on the approach to two out, and hit the front before the last, keeping on well from there to score by two and a quarter lengths. At Rainbow's End finished second under Dylan Robinson for Paul Nolan at 12/1 (from 14s), while Plain Talking (8s to 7s) was another four and three parts of a length back in third for Ger Fox and Gavin Cromwell. Billy's Hope was sent off the well-backed 6/4 favourite and she finished a very disappointing last of those who completed.

Walter Dunne, father of trainer David and Robbie, said afterwards: "That was brilliant. Fair play to David, he said to me coming up that she would run well. The ground made the difference to her.

"She deserved that over fences - unfortunately she was left at the start the last day in Perth (and finished third). Robbie said she was running away everywhere (today)."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.M. Power, rider of Billy's Hope trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was found to have blood on the nose as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Meadow Cross ridden by S.A. Mulcahy, and trained by Denis Gerard Hogan. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. S.A. Mulcahy, stated that as it was his mount's first run over fences, that he was instructed to keep her in mid division, to pop away and give her confidence and not to give her a fall in running. S.A. Mulcahy added that the mare jumped indifferently and was on and off the bridle. The mare was going nowhere four fences out but he pushed her on down the hill by going through the motions in the latter stages. Denis Gerard Hogan, stated that the rider has little experience, is still weak and is learning how to push a horse on. D.G. Hogan confirmed the instructions given to S.A. Mulcahy and felt that if the mare was given a chance early on she might come home well. He stated that in running the mare was going nowhere five fences out and that the rider gave her a chance and that she only stayed on into fourth through the misfortune of other horses. He further added that he thought the mare ran a good race but he would have liked the rider to have shown more strength in the finish. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Meadow Cross was post race normal. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that S.A. Mulcahy was in breach of rule 212 A (ii) and therefore suspended him for five race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee. Furthermore the Stewards noted D.G. Hogan's explaination and suspended Meadow Cross for 42 days as a consequence of the rider's actions.

Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer of Meadow Cross, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge sustained cuts to her hind legs.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham