Farrell & Cleary strike with Woodrow

Woodrow ran out a good winner of the Leopardstown Claiming Race, scoring under Rory Cleary for Co Wexford trainer Cormac Farrell and the Swipe Right Syndicate.

Successful at Dundalk in January, the son of Ivawood had been disappointing on his last two starts, finishing down the field at Fairyhouse and the Curragh respectively.

Sent off a 12/1 chance and stepping up in trip to seven furlongs, the bay victor was settled behind the leaders, taking closer order on entering the straight.

He was ridden to the front over a furlong out and soon went a few lengths clear, keeping on well to score by a comfortable two-and-a-half lengths. Fly Girl filled the runner-up spot under Shane Foley for Jessica Harrington at 9/1, while Misterio (9s to 6s) was a nose back in third. Chessman was sent off the 15/8 favourite and he finished a disappointing ninth, while Baronial Pride was withdrawn at the start after breaking through the stalls.

Cleary said in the aftermath: "He travelled away well in behind the leaders and picked up nice and smart. He went to the line well and the step up to seven furlongs was a big help to him. It's riding nearly yielding to soft."

Farrell added: "He's always shown us lots of ability and that was the first try over seven so that's great that it has worked.

"We might find him a new home now as that's what we do - we keep moving them and he'd be a good servant for somebody. I'll be going to the yearling sales and will restock. We buy 10 or 12 yearlings every year and breeze some of them."

Woodrow (E13,000) was later claimed and will now be trained by Leanne Breen, while Godhead (E15,000), who finished fourth, was also claimed and will now be trained by John McConnell.

STEWARDS REPORTS

M.P. Sheehy, rider of Baronial Pride (GB) trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount put its head down and hit the gates forcing them open causing his mount to got loose.

Kyanna Van Buuren, rider of Ernest Loring trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount was slowly away.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Chessman, trained by Richard John O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Stewards requested a report from C.W.J. Farrell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Woodrow, placed first, as compared with its recent form. C. W. J. Farrell stated that the step up to seven had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee