Improving Molly Wedger defies the handicapper

After a wide margin course and distance victory last month, 7/2 joint favourite Molly Wedger once again showed her liking for the seaside track when winning the Tramore August Festival Handicap Hurdle.

The daughter of Doyen travelled well throughout for Brian Hayes who sent her on after two out and she accounted for Clonbury Bridge (6/1) by four and a half lengths, with the other 7/2 joint favourite Auckland well-backed before racing, another two and three quarter lengths away in third.

This was a fair performance by the 7-year-old who had been raised 15lb in the ratings for her previous win.

Winning trainer Dermot O’Brien said: "She is holding her form which is great. She has been training well since her win here the last day.

"From two and a half to three miles is her trip and it's great to have the owners (Kilbriens Syndicate) here today. Please God she will stay improving now. I just have her in at the moment.

"We will try and find something for her in a couple of weeks' time. Hopefully there will be something for her here in August.

"When they go beyond the 109 mark there is not much for them here, but hopefully there will be something."

Quotes from Donal Murphy