The Sticktothecows Syndicate, owners of Honey Bach, with winning jockey Declan Lavery© Photo Healy Racing
Declan Lavery recorded his fourth winner of the week as he just got Honey Bach up to win the Join The 2013 Sligo Race Supporters Club Mares Maiden Hurdle for trainer Brian Hamilton.
The daughter of Bach was well punted and after opening at 9/4 with Paddy Powers this morning, she opened on-course at just 11/10 before being supported further into 8/11 clear favourite at the off.
The dual bumper winner had disappointed on her first effort over hurdles at Fairyhouse and she jumped poorly over the first three flights this afternoon.
Her jumping improved as the race went on and coming to the last there was very little between herself, Via Del Corso and Norah Starr
Honey Bach battled gamely on the run-in to see off those two rivals, winning by just a nose at the line from Norah Starr in second at 5/2 under trainer/jockey Denis Hogan while Via Del Corso was a further length back in third.
Brian Hamilton said afterwards; "She was hobdayed (wind operation) after Fairyhouse and that has improved her but her jumping left a lot to be desired."
Barney McConville of the winning Sticktothecows Syndicate had an interesting story to tell afterwards saying; "I bought her as a foal at Tattersalls for €800 and I was going to sell her on as a four-year-old at a Thoroughbred Sale at the Hilltown Cattle Mart in Co Down but I couldn't sell her so I syndicated her instead.
"It has all worked out well!”
Denis Hogan, rider of the runner-up Norah Starr, was given a two day suspension by the Stewards for using his whip with excessive frequency and not giving his mount sufficient time to respond.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
