Improving delights Leahy with smooth Limerick success

There was some money about for eventual fifth, Wonwabbitwon but at the head of the market it was pretty much one way traffic for 7/4 favourite, Improving in the Patrickswell Maiden. The Limerick runner got it done nicely at his local track.

Trained in Kilmallock by Austin Leahy for his wife, Ellen, 70-rated Improving travelled beautifully for Dylan Browne McMonagle, and after being never far away the four-year-old led over a furlong out.

The successful son of Most Improved was pushed out and kept on well inside the final furlong to beat Roundel by four and a half lengths.

"He got upset in the stall when he ran at Listowel the last day and that's the only thing I can put my finger on,” said Leahy.

“The stalls handlers had to grab hold of him but he walked in perfectly today and I'm delighted."

The Stewards requested a report from Augustine Leahy, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Improving, placed first, as compared with its most recent run.

The Trainer reported that this horse was unruly at the start and became upset in the stalls which may have affected his running the last day. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Departmentalize trained by Joseph G. Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

At the request of the Stewards, R.P. Whelan, rider of Hodd's Girl trained by M.Halford, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran well for a long way but was one-paced in the straight.

(TW & EM)