In-foal Atavique justifies favouritism

On her third start for Tom Gibney, the in-foal Atavique claimed the Visit fairyhouse.ie For Special Offers & Gifts Apprentice Handicap.

Twice successful in the UK when trained by Gay Kelleway, the daughter of Dubawi went down by just half-a-length on her most recent start at Sligo.

Settled behind the leaders by Robert Whearty, the five-year-old was pushed along to challenge over two furlongs out and soon led.

Ridden clear with over a furlong to go, she kept up the gallop in the closing stages, coming home a length-and-half to the good. Barrys Rock (16s to 11s) kept on well to take second under Cian McRedmond for Tony Mullins, while the easy-to-back Alma Libre (7/4 out to 3s) also finished strongly, another two-and-a-half lengths back in third.

"It was great to get a winner for Kevin (Haigney, owner) as he was waiting for a long time for one," said Gibney.

"Kevin picked the filly out himself at the sales in Newmarket last October and she's worked out a treat. It's great to get a result with her.

"The run the last day was a lovely run and we were pretty confident we'd be knocking on the door on the back of that.

"She had won a couple in England but we felt there was more to come. She's in foal and the plan was to try and pick up a race before she retired."

STEWARDS REPORTS

S.T. McCullagh, rider of The Virginian trained by Padraig Roche, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

J. Coen, rider of Alma Libre (FR) trained by Natalia Lupini, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped left from the stalls.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson