Theatre runs her rivals ragged

Theatre Run recorded her second career success, as she ran out an easy winner of the Mallow Mares Handicap Hurdle.

Successful at Ballinrobe last September, the Mark Cahill trained seven-year-old had her last three starts over fences, and returning to the smaller obstacles this afternoon, she was sent off a 12/1 chance under Sean Flanagan.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, the daughter of King's Theatre improved to the front before four out.

She eased clear after the next, and came home in her own time, seven and a half lengths clear of the staying on Queen Oscar (25/1) in second. Ice Ice Baby (22/1) and Emperor's Sword were third and fourth, while the 11/2 favourite Lady Quill was a disappointing ninth.

Cahill, who trains in Co Tipperary, said afterwards: "We were disappointed with her few runs over fences to be honest and we just decided to come back over hurdles to see would it work.

"We fancied her the last day going up the north and she was beaten a long way but her work was good and we were hopeful coming and it worked out.

"We'll stay over hurdles for a little while but will eventually go back chasing."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Under the provisions of Rule 87(vii)(b), the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Mother's Best, trained by N.Stokes, as the animal had been vaccinated within 7 days prior to today's race.

P.E. Corbett, rider of Knockraha Pride trained by James Joseph Mangan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount clipped a heel and stumbled at the start unseating him. .

T. Ryan, rider of Euro So Brave trained by W.J.Austin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a mistake at the third hurdle and never travelled thereafter.

The Stewards enquired from P.E. Corbett, rider of Knockraha Pride, who was unseated before the first hurdle in this race. The rider reported that his mount clipped a heel and stumbled unseating him. Having viewed a recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes