Punchestown drama as wrong JP McManus horse runs instead of stablemate in bizarre mix-up

There was a bizarre mix-up involving two JP McManus-owned, Enda Bolger-trained stablemates when maiden hurdler Centreofattention ran instead of Dont Tell Jack in the 2m½f novice chase.

The issue became apparent only before the 2m maiden hurdle – which was due to start an hour and 40 minutes after the novice chase – when the horse presented for scanning to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) turned out to be Dont Tell Jack and not Centreofattention.

As Bolger was due to have just two runners on the card, it soon became apparent that Centreofattention had run in the novice chase earlier on the card, when he finished seventh behind the Anthony McCann-trained Luminous Light at odds of 4-1, jumping the final fence under Mark Walsh alongside a host of others on what was a more than decent effort in a chase for a maiden hurdler. 

It was revealed in the raceday report that no further action would be taken by the stewards regarding the result of the novice chase and that the matter would be referred on for further investigation.

After explaining how the issue was identified, the report said: "The raceday stewards interviewed Mr Frank Berry, authorised representative for E Bolger, MP Walsh, rider, Joan Taylor, IHRB veterinary officer, and James Casey, IHRB veterinary assistant.

"Since the 'winner all right' had been signalled following the second race, the raceday stewards were unable to take any further action in relation to that race, and referred the entire matter on to a senior racing official for further investigation."

Gains for Gainford

Jordan Gainford rode a quickfire double on the card with wins on Highland Crystal for Gordon Elliott in the 2m2½f fillies' academy hurdle and the Cian Collins-trained Sopelana in the 2m three-year-old hurdle.

Highland Crystal looks a smart prospect for Elliott and owners Robcour as the 100-30 chance bolted 14 lengths clear of Ritz Plan in impressive fashion, while Sopelana improved markedly from her fourth-placed finish at Down Royal to spring a 40-1 surprise, finding plenty for pressure to defeat I'll Be Handy.

Koktail Brut jumps the last on his way to victory in the 2m maiden hurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott was on the mark again in the 2m maiden hurdle, in which Centreofattention was a non-runner, when 10-11 favourite Koktail Brut powered nine lengths clear of market rival Colcannon.

Terrific Tyner

JP McManus's day had got off to a good start when A Great Buzz landed the 3m½f handicap chase under an excellent ride from Mark Walsh to continue trainer Robert Tyner's irresistible run of form.

Tyner has had five winners from ten runners in the last fortnight and has been operating at a 50 per cent strike-rate since the start of September.

Read more here

JP McManus horses mixed up in another wrong horse debacle at Kilbeggan 

Aidan O'Brien fined £4,000 for 'million to one' mix-up over Fillies' Mile horses   

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