Curragh strikes Gold on handicap debut

Curragh Na Gold appreciated a step back in distance to score on her handicap debut in the Carrick-On-Suir Mares Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

The daughter of Gold Well made the frame on all four previous maiden hurdle outings, and was sent off a well-supported 3/1 favourite dropping down to this two-mile trip.

Sean Flanagan sent her on before the penultimate flight, and she kept on well on the run-in to beat Good As Gold by a length and three quarters. Ellaway Rose was a further five lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Harry Kelly said, "She had been consistent but tricky and in a few ways was tailor made for handicaps.

"Brian Hayes (rider of the runner-up today) rode her recently and said that handicaps would suit her better because she'd settle better than she had been in maidens.

"Sean gave her a super ride and we'll aim for something similar next."

He then searched in his jacket and quipped, "I brought up her passport (needed following a winner) so I wouldn't have to walk back down to the stable yard for it!"

Flanagan said, "The drop back in trip was key to her. She tends to run around a bit, and when I gave her a squeeze at the bottom of the hill I got there a bit early.

"I was worried that she might save a bit for herself down the straight but she was good today."

(TW & AM)