Stella scores despite market drift

The easy to back Stella d'Oro was a surprise winner of the last at Tipperary, the Buy Tickets Online @TipperaryRaces.ie Maiden.

A good second on debut at Dundalk, the Joseph O'Brien trained bay was as short as 5/1 in early shows, but opened on-course at 12s, before going off a 14/1 chance.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner by Seamie Heffernan, the son of Sea The Stars was switched to the outer over two furlongs from home.

He was soon pushed along to challenge, and got to the front inside the final furlong, keeping on well from there to score by two lengths.

The well-backed 6/4 favourite Sayar (from 9/4) finished second under Colin Keane for Willie Mullins, while 7/4 chance Freetown was a head back in third.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "That was a lovely performance and he is a nice horse. He took a bit of time and the owners have had to be very patient. We were able to give him time, and are now reaping the rewards.

"He stepped up nicely from his debut and we'll see what the handicapper does now but we could look at some of those mile and a half listed races later in the year.

"He should stay further being by Sea The Stars."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards informed D. K. Weld, trainer that Crecerelle would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Stewards fined E.Sheehy, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Majestic Dooneen in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Majestic Dooneen in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (iv).

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes