Pepper proves too hot for rivals

Hot As Pepper made all the running to fend off her rivals in the concluding Dr. Louis O'Carroll (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Listowel.

Ben Harvey had the John McConnell trained mare at the head of affairs from the outset and she stayed there, despite facing a couple of determined challenges in the straight.

From halfway, the race only really concerned three horses, as the winner, On The Sixth Day and Old Bill Barley pulled well clear of the remainder.

Try as they might, the latter pair were unable to overhaul Hot As Pepper who found plenty for pressure and kept up the gallop.

John McConnell said; "we fancied her getting the weight and were a bit unsure about the ground but I thought she would handle it. She is a tough galloping filly and had won a point to point.

"It looks like she goes on any ground, stays and can jump and the lads will have plenty of fun with her. They are new owners (Dream's Alive Syndicate) and I'm delighted to get a win on board for them.

"We will probably go for a winners' bumper and then go hurdling."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.