Byron Beauty goes clear under Chris Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
The nine-year-old Byron Beauty got the better of her six three-year-old rivals in the opener at Killarney, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
Successful at Ballinrobe late last month, the Harry Rogers trained bay since finished second at Bellewstown, going down by just three parts of a length to Song Of Namibia.
Despite her good recent form she still went off the outsider of the field this evening at 10/1.
Settled towards rear by Chris Hayes, she took closer order early in the straight, and was ridden to challenge on the outer at the two furlong pole.
She got to the front over a furlong out, and kept on well from there, going on to score by a length and three parts. Magen's Moon (4/1 joint-favourite) ran on to take second under Declan McDonogh for John Oxx, while the other joint-favourite Panstarr was a disappointing fifth after attempting to make all.
Harry Rogers said afterwards: "It looks like she is maturing with age and I'd say the rain helped her and he (Chris Hayes) gets on well with her.
"It was nice to win another prize and it'll keep the show on the road.
"She always showed ability even as a two year old but she went lame as a two year old and took years to get right. It took a long time but the owner (his wife Mary) had patience!
"She might go to Galway now."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards received a report from Ms Nicola O'Connor, Turf Club Veterinary Officer, in relation to an observation when Hamley, trained by Peter Fahey, was presented to her for a pre-racing identity check.
She reported that in the presence of Peter Fahey, trainer, and Noeleen O'Brien, Turf Club Veterinary Assistant, she observed a venous puncture on the off side of the filly's neck and furthermore there was evidence of congealed blood and soft localised swelling.
She advised the Stewards of her interview with the trainer who assured her that the animal was administered Duphalytes yesterday evening by Lizzy Doran, Veterinary Surgeon.
Noeleen O'Brien concurred with the Turf Club Veterinary Officers evidence. Peter Fahey in evidence agreed with the findings of the Turf Club Officials and elaborated by stating that this filly can sweat very freely and consequently in his absence she was administered a double dose of Duphalytes yesterday evening by Lizzy Doran, a Veterinary Surgeon with the Troytown GreyAbbey practice.
He confirmed that he was solely responsible for all medication in his yard and products were either kept secure or were in the possession of the attending Veterinary Surgeon.
Having considered the report, the Stewards using their powers under Rule 18, ordered the withdrawal of Hamley and furthermore requested the Turf Club Veterinary Officer to take samples for analysis. They referred the matter to the Turf Club for further investigation. Mr John Horgan and Ms Jill Farrell, Acting Stewards, did not attend this enquiry.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
