Cairn Rouge goes to Drumfad Bay

Drumfad Bay bounced back from a disappointing effort at Royal Ascot, taking the feature at Killarney this evening, the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes.

Second in two Listed contests at Naas in May, the Jessica Harrington trained bay then finished nineteenth of twenty-four in the Sandringham on her last start.

Sent off at 10/1 this evening she was settled behind the leaders by Colm O'Donoghue, taking closer order from over two furlongs out.

The daughter of Acclamation was pushed along to challenge on the outer over a furlong out, and got to the front inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by a length and a half for owners Stonethorn Stud Farms Limited. Music Box was best of the Aidan O'Brien quartet, finishing second at 11/2 under Seamie Heffernan. Petticoat (10s last night, returned 4s) completed the placings another length back in third for Shane Foley and Mick Halford. Asking was sent off the 2/1 favourite and she finished seventh under Ana O'Brien.

Kate Harrington said afterwards: "She had two good runs against the boys at Naas before going to Ascot but she got a bad bump at halfway and it shuffled her back a bit.

"She did that very well and mum and the owners will have a chat to see what to do next but we may find something for her during Champions Weekend and will step her up (in class) again."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards requested a report from Mrs John Harrington, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Drumfad Bay, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Royal Ascot. Ms Kate Harrington, Authorised representative for Mrs John Harrington reported that their charge was outpaced throughout her last run in a handicap at Royal Ascot and furthermore received a severe bump at halfway. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes