Stormy Tale blasts home to foil a gamble

The well-backed Burning Question looked home for all money in the extended nine furlong handicap at Ballinrobe but was caught in the final strides by 10/1 shot Stormy Tale

Burning Question, who halved in price from 12/1 to 6/1, travelled well as she stalked Faughill throughout.

Gary Carroll then sent her about her business approaching the home bend and the pair were clear with a furlong to go.

Ben Coen got a tune out of Stormy Tale though, as she ran on strongly from second a furlong out to get up by a head on the line. A Few Bob Short the 3/1 favourite, was three lengths further back in third.

Michael Mulvany said: "We were a bit disappointed the last day in Navan - I think the ground was a little on the firm side for her.

"Ben said there that he didn't think she was travelling that well but when he gave her a smack she really took off. She found a lot for him.

"She's a good, honest, little filly and hopefully she'll keep improving. The little bit of ease in the ground helped.

"Probably at the back end of the year we might give her a little pop over a hurdle. I'd say she'd make a good little three-year-old hurdler.

"She gives me all the vibes for that job - even though she's small she's good and tough.

"There's hardly a race for her in Galway next week - she'd be out of the handicap. The handicaps are too good. Sligo the following week would be a possibility.

"I felt sorry for Gary (Carroll on Burning Question) but we're delighted to get the win."

Both Donnacha O'Brien and Alan Persse were okay after their mounts Dream Point and Brass Button slipped up and unseated rider respectively.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy