Up to a mile and a half Everyhouronthehour defied top-weight in the DundalkStadium.com Apprentice Handicap.

Sam Ewing did the steering for William Ross, and there was a steward’s enquiry before the Dragon Pulse gelding was confirmed the neck and three parts of a length victor over Never Mistabeat and Nightly Wailing

Never Mistabeat’s wanderings to the right caused the enquiry, and it was a great first race riding experience for Sean Cleary Farrell on Nightly Wailing.

A son of the late Sean, the youngster was aboard Nightly Wailing for his grand-parents Kathleen and Tom.

“It was a bit of an experiment running him over a mile-and-a-half. We were just hoping for the best but he stays really well,” said Ross.

“That's five 45-65s he's won now, he's a legend. Anything from a mile to a mile-and-a-half seems to suit him.

“He'll be up out of the 65s now and we'll see how he gets on. We'll see how he comes out of that and look for something inside a month for him. He's a cracking horse.”

The Stewards fined I.Madden, trainer, €65 for failing to fit the declared headgear to Baby Bellini prior to entering the parade ring.

A.J. Farragher, rider of Never Mistabeat trained by Jarlath P.Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right up the straight.

Sam Ewing, rider of Everyhouronthehour trained by W. Ross, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount rolled around a bit in the last furlong.

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Dazzling Darren trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was struck into down the back straight and lost its action.

C.J. MacRedmond, rider of Strip Light trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was free down the back straight.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Everyhouronthehour, ridden by Sam Ewing, placed first, Nightly Wailing, ridden by Sean Cleary Farrell, placed third and Never Mistabeat, ridden by A.J. Farragher, placed second, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Sam Ewing was accompanied by K. O'Ryan at this enquiry. Sean Cleary Farrell was accompanied by Thomas Cleary at this enquiry. Sean Cleary Farrell stated that he had received interference from the horse on his inside which had caused him to check slightly. Sam Ewing stated that his mount had come from off the pace and he accepted that his mount had moved left after he had used the whip with his right hand. Adam Farragher stated that his mount had drifted right and he added that he was not aware that Sean Cleary Farrell's horse was on his outside. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that A. J. Farragher was in breach of Rule 214, in that he had ridden carelessly. Having considered A. J. Farragher's record in this regard the stewards suspended A. J. Farragher for three racedays.

The Stewards, under the provisions of Rule 196, fined L. T. McAteer €200 for failing to present himself to weigh out.

(GC & EM)