Progressive Tara is Leopardstown bound

We had a filly on the up take the preceding event at Roscommon in the shape of Valentana Another four-year-old of the fairer sex that's going the right way is Tara Dylan and she won her third race in four starts when convincingly gaining the day in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap.

Tom Mullins fitted a hood on the Melvyn Kennedy-owned Tara Dylan for the first time, and Gary Carroll's (got a 7 day ban - see below) mount certainly seemed to go well in the head-gear as she swept through from over a furlong out to beat Malinka by a length and three parts.

"I was hoping she would win so she'd get a rating that would get her into the 1m6f handicap at Leopardstown. That was the target," said Mullins.

"She's improving the whole time and today's job was to get a few pounds. She won over 1m6f at Leopardstown the first day and Gary thought the ten furlongs was a bit short today.

"We won't get too greedy, we're happy with the three wins this season, but the plan is Leopardstown.

"I think she would have won the last day but she never gave herself a chance. Even today over this trip I was a bit worried she was too keen down the back."

The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr.P.W.Murtagh, that G.F. Carroll, rider of Tara Dylan, attempted to weigh out without a body protector. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 198(v) and having considered his record, suspended him for seven race days.

(GC & EM)