Shane McGovern, riding at Cork for the first time, and totally unaware of the by-passing rules at the course, paid an expensive price for going the wrong side of an omitted fence in the five-runner Tipperary Racecourse Chase yesterday.
Enjoying a clear advantage on Merry Gale after jumping the first, McGovern elected to keep to the left-hand side of the second fence in the straight, dolled-off due to ground conditions, rather than keep to the right as instructions posted in the weigh room clearly dictate.
Although he was immediately disqualified, McGovern continued in splendid isolation, and, clearly disregarded by his rivals, came home the winner from Hill Society and former Champion Chaser Klairon Davis.
Merry Gale was eventually thrown out for taking the wrong course, his rider was suspended for seven racing days, and Hill Society was declared the winner. His performance delighted Noel Meade and Paul Carberry.
Meade commented: "Paul and the other riders all knew that Merry Gale was out of the race at an early stage, and they left him to do his own thing. I am thrilled with Hill Society and if I can get him to Sandown in such good form, he will run in the Tingle Creek Chase. Paul said that the horse never gave him a feel like that before."
There were no such problems in the Silvermines Novice Chase which fell to Palette, now a possible runner in the Dennys Novice Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas, ridden by in-form Ruby Walsh to a four-length success over the unconsidered Master Kemal. Sunset Lodge duly completed his hat-trick with an all-the-way victory in the Bansha Hurdle, and, like Palette, he too could be in for a major step up in class for his next outing.
His trainer, Charles Byrnes, is looking at running his smart novice in the Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse later this month where he could clash with Cardinal Hill, Alexander Banquet and To Your Honour.
Arthur Moore, who will run Klairon Davis in the Tingle Creek, sent out his first winner for Tony O'Reilly when the well supported Fadoul Du Cochet (Barry Cash) held off the late surge of Bramblehill Chief in the Barronstown Maiden Hurdle.
In a thrilling finish to the Barrytown Handicap Hurdle, Gentle Mossy was rewarded for some fine recent efforts when getting a short-head verdict from the Judge, while, in contrast, newcomer Mohera King galloped to a 15-length success in the Oola Flat Race.
