One has to feel for the connections of War Of The Pennys He lost a race in the steward's room at the Tramore Festival and this evening at Kilbeggan he was short-headed by Swiftmarc in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

That's not to take anything away from Swiftmarc though. Ian McCarthy's (last winner as a claimer) mount was always on the front end duelling with Fethard Player and nobody would have been too critical of the veteran had he folded at the business end.

Not a bit of it though as he just edged out War Of The Pennys (had got a great run on the inner from off the pace). Curragh Golan bidding to credit his trainer, Garrett Power, with a double after Lilly The Lioness earlier win, still had a 'squeak' when making a bad mistake at the last and he eventually came home in seventh place.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said: "He's had a wind operation since his last run and that has helped. He has a mark over fences and will probably go for a chase next."

The Corlican Syndicate, owners of Swiftmarc, are a Wexford grouping.

The Stewards requested a report from D. T. Hughes, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Swiftmarc, winner, as compared with its most recent run at Tipperary on 5th June, where he finished 13th of 16 finishers, beaten 38 lengths.

The trainer reported that his charge has had a minor wind operation since his last run, and this may have brought about any apparent improvement. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered. (AM & EM)