There was a first Northern trained winner on a session where local handlers traditionally do well when Le Malin (17/2) took the Metcollect Handicap Chase at Down Royal for the father and son team of Sean and Noel McParlan.

Not getting any younger now, turning eleven in a few days, Le Malin showed he still retains plenty of ability when a good third at Punchestown on his penultimate start.

Again running well when fifth over flights on his most recent outing, Le Malin duly delivered returning to the larger obstacles off a mark of just 95. He ended up beating 4/1 favourite One Night Standard by five and a half lengths.

"You have to jump them! I think he had the measure of the other one anyway (Tankardstown Diva fell at the last)," reflected the successful handler in the aftermath.

"He was third at Punchestown there.

"The trip was a wee bit short for him, but he stays on.

"I'll give him three weeks or a month and see how he is."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Without Exception trained by P.J. Rothwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on approach to the last fence involving Tankardstown Diva ridden by J. Smith, fell, and Le Malin (FR), ridden by Mr N. McParlan, placed first, where it appeared contact was made between the two. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr N. McParlan, rider of Le Malin (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount is blind in his right eye. The IHRB Veterinary Officer also reported that Le Malin has a very shrunken eye which has sunk back into his head and carries his head at an unusual angle. Mr N. McParlan further added he was leaning right the whole way round and felt he used his whip down the shoulder for corrective purposes. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence including photographic evidence from the IHRB Veterinary Officer who reported that the horse was marked, the Raceday Stewards gave Mr N. McParlan the benefit of the doubt on this occasion with regards frequency and time to respond but found him in breach of R.10.3(f)(force) and having considered his clean record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays.

(MG & EM)