Unlucky in the past, Red Sea Poll had lady luck smile on her when winning her first race at the fourteenth attempt in the Kilkenny Handicap at Gowran.

Ronan Whelan did the steering on the Red Clubs three-year-old.

She was involved in a good tussle in the closing stages with Enough Is Enough (not great away from the gates) and California Rose

The latter, in first-time blinkers, helped her two opponents when drifting to her left in the closing stages and Red Sea Poll eventually edged the argument by a nose from Enough Is Enough with California Rose a short head back in third.

Paul Coyle represented successful handler Paul Deegan in the aftermath and he said: "It's another in the maroon colours (those of Deegan's wife Kate) that's for sale.

"In fairness to her she's been very unlucky.

"She ran on a few times and just met one too good for her. She deserved her chance."

The Stewards interviewed L.F.Roche, rider of Enter The Red (12th), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned and also from Mr. Aidan Anthony Howard, trainer of Enter The Red.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found that L.F.Roche was in breach of Regulation 10 in that he continued to use the whip after his chance of winning or being placed had clearly gone and having taken his recent record in this regard into account, suspended him for two race days.

Furthermore the stewards were of the opinion that Mr. Howard was in breach of Regulation 10 in that his instructions may have contributed to the riders breach of this regulation and severely cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard and in particular when giving instructions to apprentices.

(AM & EM)