Death of Maura Prendergast

MAURA Prendergast, wife of Paddy, died suddenly at her home this week. Her funeral mass took place on Thursday at St Brigid’s Church, Kildare Town, followed by burial in Two Mile House. Her late parents owned Mylerstown Stud, and she was a sister to John Muldoon. Her son Patrick took over the training reins at Melitta Lodge after his father’s retirement.

An immensely kind and generous lady, renowned for her style and elegance, Maura is survived by her husband, brother, children Lorraine, Orla, Patrick and Niamh, 11 cherished grandchildren, sons-and daughter-in-law, extended family and a wide circle of friends. If desired, the family request donations to templestreet.ie/donate

Two Pretty Polly appeals dismissed this week

TWO appeals concerning the finish of the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh were dismissed this week. The Group 1 contest produced a messy conclusion as the George Boughey-trained winner Via Sistina drifted across the track in the final furlong, impeding the placed horses in winning by two lengths under Jamie Spencer. Ben and Sir Martyn Arbib, who own Hughie Morrison’s second-placed Stay Alert, appealed against the raceday stewards’ decision not to revise the placings, but the IHRB dismissed that claim.

Spencer was given a six-day ban for his ride, with the jockey asking the Appeals Panel to reconsider the severity of the suspension.

However, that was also dismissed with Spencer ruled out on July 15th, 17th-20th and 22nd. The suspension means he misses the ride aboard Khaadem in today’s July Cup.

Ex-racehorse class

BILLY Lee will act as ride judge for the Racehorse to Riding Class at Newcastle West Show in Shangarry, Co Limerick on Sunday. Staged in association with Treo Eile, the class offers €500 in prize money and is sponsored by local trainers and breeders. The organisers say there are some “household names” entered for the class.

Goffs UK dispersal sale

THE owners of Third Time Lucki, Wilde About Oscar and West Cork will hold a partial dispersal of 13 horses at the Goffs UK August Sale at Doncaster (August 8th-9th).