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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Tashi overcomes a bump to get off the mark
Tashi, near side, comes to grab Father's Day
© Photo Healy Racing
Strong-travelling Tashi got up in the final stride to collar Father's Day at the end of the extended 12-furlong maiden in Tipperary.
In truth she would have been an unlucky loser as the leader, Father's Day, edged right and gave her a bump with 150 yards to race just as she was throwing down her challenge.
Robbie Colgan soon got into the drive position and got her home by a head at 9/2 for trainer Sheila Lavery. Runner-up Father's Day was the 3/1 favourite.
The gambled-on Shinpachi was off the bridle a long way from home but was staying on just behind the front pair when he was badly hampered in the incident 150 yards out. He couldn't recover and came in three and three quarter lengths back in third at 13/2 having been 12/1 in the morning.
Jockey Colgan said: "She was entitled to do that on her rating (90). She was slowly away and I was happy enough to let her float around on the outside. The further she went the more she warmed into it and she cruised into the straight.
"They'll probably look for black-type again now and she should nick some and could come on for the run today."
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Tashi, ridden by R.C. Colgan, placed first, Father's Day, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed second and Shinpachi, ridden by C.D. Hayes, placed third, where it appeared that Father's Day drifted sharply to the right when fighting out the finish. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence C.D. Hayes stated that his mount was green and having his third run when interference took place in front of him and he had to check. R.C. Colgan stated that he wanted to arrive late when Father's Day came out and made contact with his own mount. J.A. Heffernan stated that his mount jinked and went outwards towards the horsegate for which he quickly changed his whip hand to straighten up. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.
The Stewards interviewed J.A. Heffernan, rider of Father's Day, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, J.A. Heffernan accepted that he was in breach of the whip guidelines and explained that he was trying to stop his mount rolling out and was doing his best to straighten him. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards pursuant to R10(6)(b) referred J.A. Heffernan to the Referrals Committee for consideration.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes