Areille (right) beats stablemate Jupiter Express © Photo Healy Racing
There was a stalls malfunction in the 6f three-year-old handicap at Fairyhouse which resulted in the runners being recalled after the inside section of stalls opened fractionally ahead of those on the outer.
Many of the runners went a considerable distance before turning back and the race was eventually started by flag 14 minutes after the scheduled off time, although in fairness starter Joe Banahan did quite well in the circumstances and got the runners away in a relatively good line.
Trainer Ken Condon won't be complaining anyway as his pair of runners fought out the finish with joint topweight Areille (15/2) giving in-form Billy Lee yet another winner.
Lee sat mid-division on the rail before sending his mount after stable companion Jupiter Express racing to the final furlong. The pair had a good tussle before Areille got on top close home to score by half a length.
Super Club was two and a half lengths further away in third just in front of the 3/1 favourite Walking On Clouds
Lee said: “I took a chance with the tape start and went on the inside. She travelled well into the race and to be fair she responded well when I got stuck into her and ran to the line.
“It’s probably her ideal trip. A good gallop and going around a bend suits her well.”
Ken Condon, “Billy said his stall opened a fraction slow. It didn’t look very obvious to me and it turned out messy for everyone.
“It was a great result for us.
“Areille had a few runs and ran quite well over five staying on the last day. She is quite a tall angular filly and is getting stronger.
“Jupiter Express is learning how to race properly now and didn’t do much wrong there. He ran real well and will get his turn.”
Declan McDonogh was one of a number of riders not pleased saying, “I have no doubt it cost me the race. I was on the favourite (Walking On Clouds) who finished a tired fourth but I went to the two (furlong) pole like a lot of the horses. The first and the second only went 50 yards and pulled up. That’s the difference.”
The stalls towards the outside were judged to have opened later than the others and a false start was called.
Quotes from Alan Magee
