Empress Alma easily dismisses Down Royal rivals

Empress Alma followed-up on her recent Naas success, as she easily dismissed eight rivals in the concluding Freixenet Handicap.

Upped in trip to a mile and five-furlongs for the first time, the Gavin Cromwell-trained bay proved easy-to-back and was returned an 11/2 chance from early shows of 3/1.

Settled towards rear by Gary Carroll, the 56-rated victor made progress on the outer from the three-furlong pole and improved to lead with just over a furlong to race.

Soon ridden, she quickly scooted clear and eventually came home five-and-a-half lengths to the good.

The Mick Mulvany-trained Highland Bells (9/1) ran on late to take second under Wesley Joyce, while Question Of Class who was returned the 18/5 favourite, was a neck away in third.

"She is bred to go that sort of trip," Carroll reflected.

"To be honest, I think the race fell apart and we went very fast. I think they stopped in front of me and she stayed going.

"She's a nice filly, a bit of size and stays the trip so hopefully in time she will improve again.

"She wants a bit of nice ground, she's a nice-moving filly.

"She is genuine and tries, so it is great to get results."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on the turn into the home straight involving Benvoy ridden by W.J. Lee, unplaced, Question Of Class, ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed third, and Fine Print ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, placed fourth, where it appeared Benvoy momentarily ran short of room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham