Busy Molly lands hefty punt in fine style

The Tramore Farmers Market Handicap Hurdle saw Molly Wedger land a gamble — 20/1 early offers, into 7/2 joint favourite — after an eye-catching third placing at this venue just last evening.

Trained in Dungarvan by Dermot O’Brien, the successful Doyen mare had been the subject of a running and riding enquiry when taking bronze behind Miss Tempo yesterday.

Again with Brian Hayes in the plate Molly Wedger sluiced home to shed her maiden tag by no less than seventeen lengths from Emma Prada

"I just want to thank the lads that own her (Kilbriens Syndicate), they have been very patient. Most of them are local to Dungarvan and they are thirteen of my friends who come from all sorts of careers, nurses, farmers, undertakers, all sorts of jobs," said O'Brien.

"This has been a lucky spot for us. Glendine River won four times for us here.

"It wasn't always the plan to run her both days. I just wanted to run her here with the syndicate being local. With the balloting system I didn't think she'd get in today. We ran her yesterday in a maiden hurdle which wasn't ideal but she finished really well. The fact she got in today we just said we may as well run her.

"I've no plan for her now. There is a meeting here in July and if there is a race suitable, she will go for that. I have just her in training and we are dairy farmers."

Mr A.P. Fahey, rider of Diggin Deep trained by P.G. Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got very tired and pulled up.

The Stewards interviewed I.J. McCarthy, rider of Yulong Voice (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted he was in breach and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that I. J. McCarthy was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned him on this occasion.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Magic Piper trained by Thomas Gibney, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(DM & EM)