O'Connor seen to good effect as Springfield follows up

Springfield Lodge followed up a recent win at Downpatrick under a 5lb higher mark in the Suir Blueway (Mares) Handicap Chase at Clonmel.

The point-to-point winner jumped well in this two and a half miles event, with Mike O’Connor mounting his challenge in the straight.

The Eoghan O’Grady-trained mare was in the air together with Something Sweet at the last but another fine leap settled the issue as her rival made a slight mistake.

The 11/2 chance kept on strongly on the run-in to score by three lengths, with Reine Fee a further four and a half lengths back in third.

O'Grady said, "She had a lovely low weight and got a good ride and jumped the last well.

"Jordan Gainford rode her the last day and today was the first time I've met Mike. Garry Cribbin (agent) told me about him and he could claim 7lbs off. He gave her a peach of a ride.

"We might call it quits after one more run and look for something similar again in the autumn."

(TW & AM)