Castra Vetera is ridden out by JJ Slevin to beat Gentle And Kind © Photo Healy Racing
Despite jumping left at times, Castra Vetera made the breakthrough on her fifth start over flights, justifying market support in the opener at Kilbeggan, the kilbegganraces.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle.
A three-time bumper winner, the Joseph O'Brien-trained eight-year-old spent two years on the sidelines, returning to action in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse in April.
Supported from 11/2 into a starting price of 16/5, the Jeremy bay raced in a close second under JJ Slevin, improving to lead from four out.
Pushed along before the last, where she jumped markedly out to her left, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned victor edged back towards the rail on the run-in and was ridden out in the closing stages to prevail by two-and-a-half lengths.
Point-to-point winner Gentle And Kind (14/1) ran a fine race to take second under Mike O'Connor for Henry de Bromhead, while newcomer Sleep Sound (50/1) was all of 13-lengths back in third.
Sent off the 1/2 favourite, Tina Meehan blundered badly three out and lost all chance, eventually coming home in seventh under Paul Townend.
"She's not a bad mare. She won three bumpers and beat Party Central one day in a Listed race," Slevin commented.
"Obviously she’s had her issues but it’s nice to get her back there.
"She went a bit left the odd time and was looking for a stride at the last but she figured it out."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Following a request from broadcasters, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for a one minute delay to this race
P. Townend, rider of Tina Meehan, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was too keen and jumped poorly.
C.D. Maxwell, rider of Another Red Cat trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount latched on and stumbled shortly after the winning post on the first circuit and made a respiratory noise after the third hurdle.
E. Walsh, rider of Georgiabell trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled a front shoe in-running.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after the last hurdle involving Castra Vetera, ridden by J.J. Slevin and Gentle And Kind, ridden by M.P. O'Connor where it appeared Castra Vetera crossed Gentle And Kind. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. M.P. O'Connor stated that he was just on the tail of Gentle And Kind and caught a heel. JJ Slevin stated that he was not aware of Castra Vetera being as close to him as he was. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found JJ Slevin was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two race days. .
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the turn out of the back straight involving Coastguard Lady ridden by B. Hayes, and Sleep Sound, ridden by E.A. Fitzgerald where it appeared Coastguard Lady ran short of room on the inner. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B. Hayes stated that Sleep Sound went forward coming to the bend and he ended up running into the back of Andyourbirdcansing E.A. Fitzgerald stated that he came to the bend upsides Coastguard Lady but Andyourbirdcansing was coming back at them at which point he left enough room on his inner, kept his line and didn't impede anyone else. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
