Doyle shines on Rain In Spain

Rain In Spain continued a fine afternoon for favourite backers at Thurles when defying a 4lb penalty for a recent course win in the 2m6f Urlingford Handicap Hurdle.

The Charles O’Brien-trained mare scored over 2m4f here last Thursday, and benefitted from a fine ride here by Ricky Doyle.

The 5lb claimer squeezed his mount up the inner in the straight to get the better of a protracted battle with the always prominent Toosey

The 9/4 favourite just proved the stronger on the run-in to score by a neck. Court Adjourned was six and a half lengths back in third, with Thisonesforollie completing the places in fourth.

Doyle said, “She’s only a small little thing and can go around tight bends as if they are not there. I took a chance with the rail down on the inside. It was the shortest way around and was probably the winning of the race.

“She has the heart of a lion and had to fight there. The plan was not to get there too soon as she can have a look. She’s a great money-spinner and has won four now.”

(TW & AM)