CASTALINO, successful here on Sunday, failed by half a length to beat Springfort Lady in a driving finish to yesterday's Smurfit Corrugated Cases Handicap Chase, but after a protracted stewards inquiry the placings were reversed.
The Conor O'Dwyer partnered Castalino was clearly impeded by Charlie Swan's mount, Springfort Lady, as she drifted across the width of three horses before rising to the second last fence. She veered in again after crossing and was just clear of Castalino who was instantly switched to the outside.
Castalino drew level with his rival on the run in but Springfort Lady gained the upperhand in the last few strides. There is no doubt that Castalino lost more ground than the half length he was beaten by and the steward's decision was inevitable.
Lake Tour was an easy winner of the Laurels Hunters Chase. Trained in Tramore by Pat Flavin, and ridden by Barry Cash, the winner was in no danger of being caught once she had raced clear from the fourth last fence.
Philip Fenton, who had an" armchair ride to win the opener on the odds on Dromkeen, had a horrific experience after his mount Divali, hampered by the early fall of What Thing, broke a leg some 10 strides before the second last and in the process of being pulled up was cannoned into from behind by Okdo. Fenton was rocketed out of the saddle and straddled on top of the fence with his left leg suspended in his stirrup. He was lucky to escape with a slightly sore limb.
Mrs Caroline Barker landed the River Rock Ladies Race on the Niall Quinn owned, Jim Bolger trained Premier Project who collared the front running Glowing Lines well inside the distance to win by two and a half lengths.
Runner up here on the flat on Monday Home Port readily won the Seamus Weldon Novice Handicap Hurdle. Ridden by Conor O'Dwyer, Andrew Lee's charge was challenged by Katiymann before rising to the last but a superb leap clinched the issue for Home Port.
"That was his last chance," declared trainer Liam Burke after 14 to 1 outsider Savuti had won the Free Foam Ltd Maiden Hurdle much as he liked. Unplaced in a bumper here on Sunday the former English trained gelding had shown little form in previous races but that was on soft ground and he was a different horse on yesterday's firm going. Ridden by Michael Murphy he led before the last and bounding over won by four and a half lengths.
. Courageous Knight galloped to the rescue of trainer Peter Hayward in the St Richards School Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Hereford yesterday. "We needed that as it's 20 months since we had a winner with Spring To Glory in August 94," said a relieved Hayward. Up and coming rider Barry Fenton hit the front aboard Courageous Knight two out before galloping 16 lengths clear of long time leader I Have Him at the line.
