Fitz finally gets off the mark

The Fitz Lady recorded her first win on her twenty-fifth career start as she took the P & D Lydon Handicap Hurdle under Ruby Walsh.

Placed seven times the daughter of Wareed, who was previously trained by Eoin McCarthy, certainly wasn't winning out of turn and she was sent off the 5/1 third choice of punters today.

Settled behind the leaders on the outer she was left in a close second with just under a circuit to race.

She improved to the front at the third last and was joined after the next before she regained the lead as they entered the straight.

She was ridden on the run-in and came home four lengths clear of Mossy Island who finished second under Andrew Lynch for Sabrina Harty at 9/2. Sounds Of Thunder (20/1) neck back in third under Shane Shortall for Adrian McGuinness while the 11/4 favourite (from 7/2) Happy As Larry disappointingly pulled up with Barry Geraghty in the saddle for James Motherway.

Eric McNamara, who was recording his first winner since December of last year, said afterwards: "She was entitled to win that and has been very consistent. She's only a small, light little thing. She jumped like a buck, and having Ruby is always a help.

"Her owner, breeder Colm Horgan is from Athea in Limerick."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards fined P.J. Rothwell, trainer, €350 for failing to lodge a passport in respect of Thornhill Flyer which was required as a vaccination spot check in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (vii) and (viii). The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

B. Hayes, rider of Paudi The Punter trained by G. Webb, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Happy As Larry, trained by J.Motherway, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.

B.T. O'Connell, rider of Thornhill Flyer, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount struggled to go with the early pace but stayed on past tired horses in the closing stages.

L.P. Flynn, rider of Western Bar trained by John T. McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee