Friendless Bainne scores for Gray & Swan

Despite being friendless in the betting, Bainne kept on best in the closing stages to win the Foley’s Bar & Off Licence Handicap, under Shane Gray for Charlie Swan.

Already twice a winner this season, the three-year-old daughter of Strategic Prince was 7/1 this morning with Paddy Power, opening on-course at 11/1 before going off a 12/1 chance.

Beaten half a length by Versilia Gal over the course and distance in June, the bay victor was in rear in the early stages before she made progress into ninth two furlongs from home.

She made good headway on the outer a furlong from home, and she kept on best in the closing stages to score by three parts of a length at the line. Jumbo Steps (4/1) attempted to make all under Shane Foley, but he had to settle for second again, after finishing in the runner-up spot at Naas on Monday. Canary Row finished a neck back in third under Colin Keane for Patrick Prendergast at 5/1, while the well-backed 5/2 favourite (9/2 overnight and from 10/3 on-course), Indian Landing could only manage a disappointing seventh under Pat Smullen for Tracey Collins.