Naas luck deserts Lynam as Captain controversially disqualified

There was no shortage of controversy at the end of the feature 6f handicap at a dull and overcast bank holiday fixture, as Naas became an unfamiliarly unlucky spot for trainer Eddie Lynam after the harsh-looking disqualification of favourite Captain Power.

Lynam has carried all before him at Naas over the course of the summer, and it looked as though he had pounced again when Robbie Downey arrived inside the final furlong on the son of Captain Rio to grab the lead and then just hold off the late surge of Shane Foley on Dark Alliance. The stewards inquiry wasn't called that quickly, and while Robbie Downey had manufactured a gap on his horse by carrying Dark Alliance out to his right, it was well over a furlong out and it was at least arguable whether the interference was that significant.

"I was shocked," said Lynam, adding: "they never asked Shane Foley if he had to stop riding, which he didn't. They told me after the inquiry that it was irrelevant whether he had to stop riding or not. They said that we carried him across the track, I thought his horse was hanging across the track to be honest, but unfortunately my horse pulled up in front which meant the distance was a short-head." Asked if he would appeal, Lynam said: "I'm not a fan of appealing. I don't know, I'll have to talk to the owners first."