Ray Barron rider of Switch From Diesel© Photo Healy Racing
Switch From Diesel came out on top in the Peppermill Restaurant Nenagh Fillies Flat Race, a contest which is sure to produce plenty of future winners.
Having filled the runner-up spot on her first two starts at Ballinrobe, the Seamus Fahey-trained Yeats bay was sent off a 7/1 chance today.
Settled in mid-division by Ray Barron, the Paul Mullins-owned victor pulled her way towards the head of affairs with five furlongs left to race.
In an outright lead on the approach to the straight, she found plenty when ridden inside the final two furlongs, holding off the effort of newcomer Ma Belle Etoile before coming home three-lengths to the good.
Trained by John and Tom Kiely, the runner-up was a well-backed 17/2 chance (66/1 in early shows), while fellow debutant Glens Lullaby (11/2) ran an eye-catching race, another length-and-three-parts back in third.
Returned the 2/1 favourite, Alice Morgan was a further 12-lengths away in fourth under Jody Townend for Willie Mullins.
"She is still a bit free but did settle better today. She was very green when she hit the front but she battled it out well," Fahey commented.
"She is a lovely mare to look forward to and Paul tells me she’s not for sale so that’s an even bigger plus.
"Her mother was a lot worse than her to settle. This mare is not bad at home at all, it's only when she’s racing. She has to travel in a jeep and horsebox, she will not travel in a lorry.
"She might go on holidays now till next year but we'll have to discuss it with the owner."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Mr F. Maguire, rider of Smiling Bess, trained by Kevin Prendergast, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran keen and stopped quickly.
Mr R.W. Barron, rider of Switch From Diesel, trained by Seamus Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he used his whip in the fore arm position down the shoulder for correct measures when his mount went to go right.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
