Foley's Flare justifies strong market support

The Pat Foley-trained Tango Flare justified strong market support in the opener at Cork, the Sign Up To Our Newsletter Maiden.

Second on his most recent start in September, the four-year-old Fullbright gelding was backed from 16/1 to 13/2.

Settled behind the leaders by Luke McAteer, he made good progress to lead over a furlong out and kept on well in the closing stages to score by a length-and-a-half in the colours of owner Ray McSharry.

Third on debut at Roscommon in August, Kings Time (4/1) filled the runner-up spot under Shane Foley for Jessica Harrington, while Paradise Perfect was another length-and-a-half away in third, with this one returned at 150/1.

Sent off the 10/11 favourite, Bold As Love finished a disappointing seventh.

"That's the first time he's run like his work has been," said Foley.

"His work has always been very good. It looked like a tricky maiden and we weren't coming confident that he'd win it, we were saying that he'd surely be in the shake up.

"It's surprising that he hasn't won by now but it's probably our own fault in one way as we ran him over the wrong trip in Punchestown, he just didn't see it out.

"He was second over seven here last season but dropping him back was probably the key to him, six seems to be his trip.

"He was rated 72 and we'll see what he gets now, we'd have no problem stepping him up in class regardless.

"Whether he's sold or not, we'll see, if not I'd love to hold on to him. Even if he got a few pounds I think he'd win off that. I think getting a bit of black-type should be no problem to him.

"He loved that ground today so he has the whole summer ahead of him. We didn't make a plan, we just wanted to get today out of the way and see what happens then.

"He's a real relaxed horse. Luke was saying in the stalls he was trying to get him back out and he just stood there. He's like that at home as well, which is a big help.

"With him being four he's a strong horse so we didn't mind giving away the weight today. He's only had a few runs and should keep improving. He's a lovely horse."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards informed Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Navalny through his Authorised Representative, that a repeat performance in the behaviour of his charge, who ran loose prior to the start and was subsequently withdrawn by order of the Raceday Stewards may render the animal liable for suspension in future.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the final furlong involving Racing Royalty (GB), ridden by N.M. Crosse, unplaced, and Emorcee ridden by D.P. McDonogh where it appeared contact was made. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. N.M. Crosse stated that it was his mounts first run in blinkers and he was unable to fill a gap. D.P. McDonogh stated that his mount did move slightly right under pressure, but felt that Racing Royalty had moved left towards him at the same time. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and therefore took no further action. Mr. S. McDonogh, Raceday Steward, recused himself from this enquiry.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Bold As Love, trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed W. McCreery, trainer of Thunder Dance (GB), in relation to the reason (Transport Difficulties) offered for the withdrawal of his charge. Evidence was heard from the trainer, who stated that the clutch went in his lorry and this caused some delay when travelling to Cork today and explained the efforts made in order to get the rest of his runners to the races. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards accepted the explanation offered, imposed no fine on the trainer and did not suspend Thunder Dance on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson