Barron strikes again as Lighting lands gamble for Byrnes

Ray Barron bagged another Galway winner when Fortunate Lighting got on top in the closing stages to land the concluding bumper today.

The 7lb claimer had landed the big amateur handicap on Teed Up at the start of the week and was seen to good effect again on Charles Byrnes' charge.

The Soldier Of Fortune filly was under pressure in fourth turning for home in the two-miler and was switched out by Barron at the furlong marker.

She stayed on well to get to the front in the final 100 yards and record a two-and-three-quarter length success. 80/1 shot Theflyingbee ran on well to grab second on her debut.

The winner, fifth at Wexford last month, had been as big as 20/1 before racing and returned a 7/2 shot.

"She is a good honest filly who ran well here last October when finishing a closing fifth. She had a nice run back in Wexford and we thought she had come on from that,” said Byrnes.

"She came home well and surprised Ray in how well she quickened up. He had a good position but got blocked a bit turning-in and had to sit and suffer, although the leaders came back to him near the finish.

"She jumps nicely and will go on softish ground, which is a big plus going forward. There is a Listed bumper at Gowran and I think she is up to getting black-type.

“Ray is with me every morning and is riding a long time. He is very strong and with his experience, his 7lb claim is a bit like having Rob James (experienced point-to-point rider).

"Ray rides her every day at home and had a lot of confidence in her. We thought she was fairly right going to Wexford but has tightened up a lot since.

"We had a few quid each-way on."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)