Taboo springs a surprise in Tipperary opener

Willie McCreery recorded his third winner since Sunday as his Sweetest Taboo sprang an 18/1 surprise in the opening Glenvale Stud 3yo Maiden at Tipperary.

The daughter of Camacho showed little on her first two starts at Naas but she was dropped back in trip to five furlongs for the first time today.

Ridden by Billy Lee (also his third winner since Sunday) the David McCann owned victor was settled in mid-division on the inner.

She was switched out for room over a furlong from home and was soon ridden, hitting the front over 100 yards out before going on to score comfortably by two and a quarter lengths. Danz Gift ran a fine race to take second at 40/1 under Mick Hussey for Sheila Lavery while Acting Talent (4/1) was a further head back in third under Niall McCullagh for Michael Grassick junior. Forebear was sent off the 13/8 favourite but he could only manage sixth under Wayne Lordan for Sean Hennessy. Intense Light was the early morning 13/8 favourite but she proved friendless with punters, going off at 4/1, and finished ninth.

Willie McCreery said afterwards: "I’m delighted with that. It was her first try over that trip. She will go for a handicap next and she probably needs an ease.

"I haven't gunned her at home as such as she is little hot, so I had to take it easy with her.

"I have two Camacho horses and the other one won last night (No Fear). They are tough and hardy."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving St James Gate ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed fifth, Acting Talent (USA), ridden by N.G. McCullagh, placed third and Sweetest Taboo, ridden by W.J. Lee, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was accidental and took no further action.

J.A. Heffernan, rider of St James Gate, trained by John Joseph Murphy, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount may benefit from a step up in trip.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes