Donal Murphy
She's Good Company gets off the mark
She's Good Company (nearest) is ridden out by Ronan Whelan to beat Ben Siegel (navy and pink)
© Photo Healy Racing
She's Good Company (9/2) got that all important win to her name in the Racing Next On September 30th Handicap.
Placed on four of her previous thirteen starts, the Adrian McGuinness trained filly was fifth at Tipperary when sent off favourite on her most recent outing.
Settled in mid-division by Ronan Whelan, the daughter of Fast Company came with her challenge on the outer from the two furlong pole and was soon ridden.
She edged to the front inside the final 200 yards and had to battle all the way to the line to hold off Ben Siegel by half-a-length.
The runner-up was returned the 5/2 favourite under Chris Hayes for Noel Meade, while Smaoineamh Sile (11/1) was another length back in third.
The well-backed Cool Leader (14s early, returned 4/1) faded in the closing stages and eventually finished fourth.
"She deserved that, is ultra consistent and it was always going to happen one day. The race fell lovely for her and she battled well," Whelan said of the Abbey Lavin Nolan Partnership owned bay.
"Being by Fast Company she is probably better on the turf but could be worth one go at Dundalk. Ado and the team have done a great job keeping her sweet all the way."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined El C Wells trained by Patrick Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
James J. Doyle, rider of Izzys Charm trained by Peter McCreery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stood in the stalls when the gates opened.
D. McMonagle, rider of El C Wells trained by Patrick Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left throughout this race.
J.A. Heffernan, rider of Smaoineamh Sile (GB) trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left in the closing stages.
The Stewards informed Peter McCreery, trainer of Izzys Charm, that the behaviour of his charge where she stood in the stalls and was slowly away having acted in a similar manner at Limerick on the 4th July may render her liable for a suspension if there is a similar recurrence of such behaviour in the future.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes