Article run provokes Turf Club inquiry

THE Turf Club announced yesterday that the Referrals Committee has been asked to review the failure of the stewards to impose a sanction, following the running of the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary last Sunday.

It centres on the controversial performance of the Edward O’Grady trained The Real Article, who was beaten a short head by Captain Cee Bee, having only been pushed out with hands and heels by Patrick Mangan.

Following his performance the bookmakers slashed The Real Article from 12-1 to 4-1 favourite for next Thursday’s Galway Hurdle and the handicapper, Noel O’Brien, raised him by 18lbs in future handicaps. The Real Article, however, will run off his current mark in the Hurdle, so will be a theoretical 18lbs well in.