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He deserved that. He got a nice lead and jumped very well. He was a bit unlucky at Christmas when he made a mistake at the last. He was trying to give the winner 14lb which is quite a task in very heavy ground. I’m not sure if he actually needs it as heavy as that at all. I would say he needs a bit further but he was leery in front. We’ll go on and try and win another one with him. I’d say they went very quick. Tom Mullins was standing beside me and said ‘these two will stop. They have to as everybody else is off the bridle the whole way so they have to stop’. He won so that was the main job today. I’d say better ground might help as he won his bumper on goodish ground. He was travelling well when falling in Gowran and then ran in a Grade One. He ran too free the first day back at Fairyhouse when he was running away the whole way. Then he just got touched off in Limerick and won today. He’s alright and hopefully will keep going on. Noel Meade, trainer

D.J. Mullins, rider of Arctic Light (GB) trained by Thomas Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made mistakes during this race. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Westland Row, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Westland Row, ridden by K.M. Donoghue and trained by Gordon Elliott. Evidence was heard from the trainer, rider and Mr Andrew Shaw, Turf Club N.H Handicapper. Mr Shaw stated that Westland Row had good runs in I.N.H.S Flat races with time between races but had now run four races in the last month which included three quick runs over hurdles with today being the qualifying race for a handicap mark. Gordon Elliot acknowledged the handicappers assessment but added that the owners were keen to keep running this animal which in his opinion may be best suited for a race in the north of England or a similar race here on better ground. He added that this animal is a very nervous type and that he had instructed the rider to jump off between half to three quarters way back in the field, get him to settle and jump and to do his best but not to hit him if nothing is happening. Having viewed the video he felt that the horse was too far back and that the rider had misjudged how far the leaders were ahead of him. K.M. Donoghue confirmed the instructions and added that while his mount was keen early on, he settled well but found himself too far back in the field in a strong run race. He expected the runners to come back to him but accepted about four furlongs out that this was not going to happen and did not persevere on him. He concluded that his mount did run on in the closing stages passed tired horses and felt overall that he had misjudged the race and possibly could have finished closer if ridden to instructions. The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Westland Row was post race normal but of nervous disposition. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation of Gordon Elliot. They were, however, of the opinion that K.M. Donoghue was in breach of Rule 212(i) and consequently suspended him for 4 racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.

A hurdle race for five yrs old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 10lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb