Side Saddle makes all for maiden hurdle win

There was an unfortunate conclusion to the Online Discounts @ fairyhouse.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse today as 5/4 favourite Commeragh Trix was pulled up injured when challenging in the home straight, in a race won by the Sandra Hughes trained Side Saddle

Side Saddle made most of the running to win under Jonathan Burke but Commeragh Trix, representing trainer Charles Byrnes and jockey Davy Russell, had arrived with a strong challenge early in the home straight.

However the favourite went wrong after jumping the second last flight and was pulled up. Commeragh Trix, a daughter of Mountain High and a bumper winner at the Co Meath venue in December, was later put down.

Following the race and in the winners' enclosure, trainer Sandra Hughes stated “she (Side Saddle) ran a super race in Navan before Christmas and she ran so well we thought we would run her back in bumper at Punchestown. But she is just not a bumper mare and took no part, so we picked out this race for her.

“She’s a brilliant jumper and will stay further. She’s very well bred and is something to look forward to for the Byrnes (owners Slaneyville Syndicate).”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee