Well-backed May just holds on

The well-backed Fields Of May just held off the late challenge of Back On Top as she took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies Maiden under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.

The daughter of Intense Focus finished fifth behind Legatissimo at Galway last week and having opened at 9/2 this morning she went from 5/2 to 9/4 on-course.

Prominent throughout she travelled well and came with her challenge as they entered the straight.

She hit the front a furlong and a half from home and kept on well from there to hold off the late surge of newcomer Back On Top by a head.

The runner-up was returned a 16/1 chance under Fran Berry for David Wachman while Cruidin (7/1) was a further four lengths back in third under Ronan Whelan also for Jim Bolger. Looper was sent off the 7/4 favourite but she had no answer when headed a furlong and a half out and she finished a very disappointing tenth under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx.

Ger Flynn, Bolger’s travelling head lad, said afterwards: “She had a very bad draw but she was out quick and came across.

"The ground, track and trip all suited. Kevin said he took it up a furlong and a half out to put the race to bed but she was idling as it was only her second run.

"It was Cruidin’s first time over seven furlongs and Ronan said she could win a maiden. He said it rode like a good maiden."

RUNNING AND RIDING ENQUIRY

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Tomorrow Morning placed fourth, ridden by W.J. Lee, and trained by T.M. Walsh.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.

W.J. Lee stated that his instructions were to drop the filly out and get her settled and do the best he could as she could be quite keen at home. He said she wasn't however keen in the race as the early gallop was very strong, and he tracked F.M. Berry on the eventual second into the straight, and whereas F.M. Berry's mount quickened early in the straight, it took him a while to pick up, and once he did, she ran on well under hands and heels, and finished the race out well whereas the majority of the field were tiring close home.

T.M. Walsh confirmed the instructions and stated that he was satisfied with the ride and felt that W.J. Lee had obtained his best possible placing on a filly first time out who will need further in time, in a race where they went very fast.

The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Tomorrow Morning was lame on her near fore.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action.

T.M. Walsh, trainer of Tomorrow Morning, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge showed signs of being in season post race

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes