Champion apprentice Gavin Ryan rode his third runner-up in succession on the polytrack this afternoon when Lady Of Luxury (6/1) landed the spoils in division one of the DundalkStadium.com Handicap.

There had been silver medals in the opening couple of races for Ryan on Raphael and Annabelle Rock and on this occasion his mount Strip Light found Lady Of Luxury half a length his superior.

Ado McGuiness trains Strip Light, and he also has care of Raphael, and the third placer in race two, Pillar

For Kilkenny handler Eoin Doyle, and his wife Gemma Murphy, Lady Of Luxury followed up on a course and distance success from January 22nd.

Again with Alan Persse in the plate the Rip Van Winkle mare was delivered from off pace down the inner in the straight, eventually comfortably accounting for Strip Light.

“She was a bit slowly away and I thought down the back that we were in big trouble but they went a good gallop,” said Persse.

“She didn't travel as well today as the last day but I gave her a squeeze coming out of the back and she took off.

“She's actually done it well enough and she's pulling herself up towards the line. She was probably in front a furlong too soon!

“It's all about getting her there at the right time. That's the first time she's won off a mark above 45 so hopefully it's onwards and upwards.”

D. McMonagle, rider of Merroir trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Merroir, ridden by D. McMonagle, placed third, Doyouthinkso (GB), ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed fifth and Arctic Blaze ridden by O.J. Orr, placed fourth, where it appeared that interference may have occurred.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D. McMonagle stated that his mount has a history of hanging left and he had his whip in the correct hand and was making every effort to keep her straight. He added that he was aware of the horses on his inside and had heard Mr. Hayes shout.

C. D. Hayes stated that his mount did not have the pace to hold his position and that while there was minor contact between his mount and Mr. McMonagle's mount he felt it did not cost him anything.

O. J. Orr stated that he received no contact and although Mr. McMonagle's mount had crossed him, it had not caused him to check.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference caused was accidental in nature and they made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.

The Stewards received a report later in the day that Chief Of Police trained by Oliver McKiernan had run in blinkers and not cheek pieces as declared. The Stewards were unable to enquire into the matter as the connections had departed the track and they therefore referred the matter to the C.E.O of The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board for further investigation.

(GC & EM)