Rock holds on for poignant win

Shimmer's Rock was a popular and poignant winner of the concluding mares bumper at Gowran Park when scoring for trainer Pat Fahy.

The race was named in honour of Ronan Lawlor, who tragically lost his life aged 21 after an accident on Fahy's gallops seven years ago.

It was no surprise to see the Carlow handler well represented in the race with three runners.

The Willie Mullins trained Blixt a half-sister to Hurricane Fly, was sent off 4/5 favourite for the 2m1f contest but came under pressure early in the straight and could only finish third.

Shimmer's Rock, recording a quick double for Richie Deegan, took it up from front-runner Crackerdancer with over two furlongs to run.

The eventual 5/1 winner started to tire in the closing stages as 25/1 shot Crackerdancer rallied and she was all out at the line to hold on for a head success.

"This means alot and we threw everything we had at the race. My son Conor was great friends with Ronan and he's done most of the work with this horse. He rides her out every day, and the credit should really go to him,” said Fahy.

"She would have won her first point-to-point at Dromahane only for a bad mistake at the last. She might be going to the sales but if there is a nice winners' race for mares coming we could go for it."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)