Bland gets off the mark in style

Lilian Bland dug deep from the last to run out a convincing winner of the two-and-a-half mile handicap chase at Thurles this afternoon.

Niall Hennessy 's charge was soon in front under Richie Deegan and found plenty when asked for an effort in the straight. Ernie From Nurney came to press over the last but the Mountain High mare opened up on the run-in to stretch clear and score by seven lengths. Friends N Commerce who had disputed for much of the trip, kept on again to claim the runner-up spot.

Hennessy said:- “It took a while but it’s great to get her head in front.

“She was second to Mighty Jeremy, who went on to win a few races, on similar ground at Clonmel last year. I’d say that’s what she wants.

“We could tip away with her for a while as long as the ground is yielding or softer. Two and a half is her trip.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)