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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Listed win could earn Canary a day off
Listed win could earn Canary a day off
Grey and green colours Ronan Whelan wins on Canary Row (headgear)
© Photo Healy Racing
Canary Row was clipped into 14/1 from 25s for Sunday's Tote Irish Cambridgeshire at the Curragh with Paddy Power after his success in the Listed Vincent O'Brien Ruby Stakes at Killarney. Duchess Of France really put it to her rivals from the front here, and favourite Psychedelic Funk wasn't the only one under pressure from early in the straight.
That market-leader did threaten to pull it out of the fire and he could have done nicely without finding himself short of room inside the last.
As it happened that Lyons/Keane runner had to settle for fourth as Ronan Whelan got Canary Row home by a length from Bumbasina
There was a head and the same back to the aforementioned duo, Duchess Of France and Psychedelic Funk, in third and fourth.
Winning trainer Patrick Prendergast said: "I'd like to tell you that was a clever plan but we were frustrated on Saturday and we were whinging and moaning that the rain came on Sunday.
"He was a fast finishing third on Saturday but unless it's heavy seven (furlongs) is a bit sharp. I knew he was going to run well today, although on the ratings he had it all to do.
"He finds a leg when the ground is soft and that's his real trip. Ronan gave him a cracking ride too.
"It's very important for the stud. He's home-bred, and they have the mother and siblings. I've a very happy owner (Rick Barnes).
"He's in the Cambridgeshire but he's gone up in my estimations. I'm very fond of him at the moment and I think I'll give him a day off.
"Having said that if I look in the morning and see an outlandish rise in the ratings I could change my mind. He's so exposed at this stage that I doubt he'll get that much. He's the oldest horse in the race by some way, and he knows more about racing at this stage than I do!"
The new Rose Of Tralee Jennifer Byrne made the presentation afterwards.
The Stewards informed J.A.Stack, trainer that Casla would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
The Stewards enquired into an incident befoe the turn into the straight involving Groundfrost ridden by G.F. Carroll and Pocketfullofdreams (FR), ridden by M.C. Hussey.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was accidental and took no further action.
(AM & EM)