Sweet Sting ran out an easy winner of the Tipperary Races On Twitter Handicap Hurdle, recording her third course and distance win.

Her last victory came back in October of 2020 and she could only manage eighth of twenty on her most recent start, which was in fact over the course and distance a fortnight ago.

Sent off a 10/1 chance this evening, the Michael Bowe trained seven-year-old was settled behind the leaders by seven-pound claimer Cian Quirke.

Travelling well in third from three out, she was pushed along to lead before the final flight, stretching clear on the run-in despite a sloppy jump at the last. Yulong Voice (11/2) was ten lengths back in second under Shane Fitzgerald, while Lucailem who was returned the 10/3 favourite, ran on from off the pace to finish another length-and-a-quarter back in third

"The handicapper gave her a chance and I appreciate that," Bowe said.

"I only have three mares in for the summer and staff is a big problem. I'm lucky that Cian Quirke comes in to me every day and his brother Cormac comes in as well. Only for that I wouldn't be able to train horses.

"Cian gets the rides once he comes in to help me. He rode her brilliantly and is a very good lad claiming 7lb.

"She ran here a fortnight ago and she was carrying a lot of condition. She was going to improve a lot. It's all about fitness and work and she's sound.

"I've two nice five-year-old mares at home that are working well and they will have their day out.

"I was busy at home and getting disillusioned with the game for the want of trying to get staff. I gave them to other trainers to take the load off me to see what the other side was like but there is nothing like training a horse yourself and doing it the way I want to do it."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards requested a report from Michael J. Bowe, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Sweet Sting, placed first, as compared with its recent run here on the 5th May when finishing eighth of twelve finishers beaten thirty five lengths by the winner Direct Image. Michael J. Bowe reported that the faster underfoot conditions allowed his small filly to carry the top weight of twelve stone and in his opinion this was the contributing factor to the improved performance. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee