Theatre leaves it late

Theatre Run lunged late to grab the spoils in the Tuam Herald Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe. Bad Cigar looked like he had done enough when leading early in the straight in the two-mile contest.

Shane Shortall got a great tune from the King's Theatre mare, however, and Mark Cahill's charge got up in the dying strides to record a half length success.

The 6/1 winner had run well to finish third at Wexford earlier in the month. It was the trainer's first success since May 2016 and he led up the horse.

Shortall said afterwards:- "She had a great run on good ground in Wexford the last day after getting her wind done.

"She had a little bit of form on that ground but we were quite concerned about whether she'd handle that today.

"I ran into a lot of trouble on the home bend but she pulled through.

"As soon as I got her clear she finished out her race really well. I wasn't sure if I was up, but she stuck it out really well in the end - I'm delighted with her."

(Quotes by Eamonn Murphy)