Sunshine gains deserved win

Beautiful Sunshine gained reward for her consistency when claiming the €20,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap at Fairyhouse.

The Adrian Murray-trained filly had been knocking on the door this season and was fourth in Listed company at Cork on her last start.

Seamie Heffernan got a lovely run up the rail to lead a furlong-and-a-half from home on the 14/1 shot and she stuck on well as the pack closed late to record a neck win over Perfect Thunder

It was a third career victory for the Ardad filly who had scored twice in England as a juvenile.

“She has been running well but just not getting there,” said Murray.

“Seamie said there was a little bit of an ease in the ground and I'd say that was a help.

“The race went very much according to plan, they went a good gallop, he was able to settle her and he got a lovely run up the inside. It all worked out great.

“We'll look for a Listed or Group 3 race as we want to get a bit of black-type for her.

“She's been knocking on the door and that will crown her. It looks like she might even be getting better despite a long season, she hasn't had it easy.”

It was a double on the card for Heffernan who had struck earlier on Queens Command in the fillies maiden.