Nolan doubles up in bumper

There was plenty of chat about several runners ahead of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race and there must be every chance that the form of it will be worth following through the year.

There were four in line a furlong from home and it was Farfromnowhere who had come from mid-division to challenge on the outside, who picked up best for Jack Hendrick to score by a neck from Amanha

The winner edged left close home and came close to the runner-up but there was no change to the placings after a stewards' enquiry.

Owned by David Flynn and John Brennan, the daughter of Shirocco had won a point-to-point in October before making £68,000 at Cheltenham sales.

Winning trainer Paul Nolan, completing a double after taking the opener with Kiltealy Park said: “She was recommended to us by Colin Bowe and won her point-to-point well, even though it was only a four runner race. 

“Jack ended up wide and she was still the best mare in the race, I thought. She did very well to win. 

“They went quick early on and then slowed right down and bunched up. It was tight coming down that hill and I thought she did well to win from where she was. 

“She lugged in that little bit but I don't think anyone had to stop riding that much, I thought the best mare still won the race. 

“We didn't want to pull her out, and have an excuse, on heavy ground. I'm not saying she won't handle it, she's out of a Jeremy mare and she could be very versatile. 

“She's a great mare to lep. We'll see what coming but we won't run her on too fast ground. We'll treat her like she's good until she proves us wrong.”

Quotes from Gary Carson