Fanoir stays well to score for the O'Dwyers

Fanoir confirmed the promise of her second to the long odds-on Micro Manage at Thurles last month when going one better in the BBQ Race Evening June 10th Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Trained by Conor O’Dwyer and ridden by his son Charlie, the lightly-raced seven-year-old mare appeared to be getting the better of 13/8 favourite Crossgales Ophelia when that rival blundered at the penultimate flight.

Fanoir, the 5/2 second favourite, was soon in control and kept on well from before the last to score by four-and-three-quarter-lengths. Mrs Paisley a half-sister to Paisley Park, took the runner-up spot on just her second start with Trouble And Strife a neck away in third. Crossgales Ophelia faded to finish fourth.

Conor O'Dwyer said, "When we entered her the race was 2m2f but when I declared yesterday morning it was 2m3f and 137 yards and I thought 'oh my God'!

"She travelled well over two miles in Thurles the last day when she was obviously beaten by a fair horse and I didn't mind stepping up two furlongs, but didn't want three or more.

"I got no notification but presume the change was due to the starting position of the race and the handicap hurdle was also changed. I said to the owner we had to run as it wasn't a brilliant mares' maiden and we'd learn whether she stays or not.

"When I saw her being so keen, I thought she'd never get home but she stayed. She jumps well and will be a smashing mare for the summer."

(TW & AM)