Terzetto times it well to land nice pot

Michael Halford saddled the first two home in the €30,000 fillies handicap at the Curragh with Terzetto just edging the verdict from last year's winner Surrounding

The Godolphin filly was sent off the 7/2 joint-favourite having finished third on her handicap debut over course and distance in late May.

Colm O'Donoghue dropped his reins momentarily passing the furlong pole as his mount came to challenge but soon recovered.

The daughter of Iffraaj stuck on well in the closing stages to get on top in a three-way finish.

She had a neck to spare over her stable-mate at the line with half a length back to My Silver Nails

“It's never ideal (running the two against each other) but these valuable races only come up now and again,” said Halford.

“Surrounding won it last year for us and Terzetto had a very good run here on Guineas weekend. There is probably more improvement in her being a three-year-old.

“I had intended going to Ascot with her for the Sandringham Handicap but that didn't work out as she came in season that week so we didn't get there and had to wait for this.

“When Colm changed his hands the reins wen missing and by the time he gathered her up again she ran on gamely. I think the best horse won.

“You'd be entitled to think that she could take her chance in a Listed race now so we probably will.

“Surrounding's owner isn't that keen on her acting around Galway as she tends to like more galloping tracks.

“She's been a great servant to us and it's great to put the last disappointing run behind us when we didn't put the saddle on too well!”