The grey Harrana proves too good for Spanish Steps© Photo Healy Racing
Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen completed a first and last race double at Cork, as Harrana took the finale, the Mallow Town Summer Race Evening July 14th Maiden.
Fifth and third on her first two starts, the grey daughter of New Approach was sent off the 4/1 second favourite today.
Sent straight to the front by Smullen she was headed down the back straight, and raced in second.
She regained the lead from the two furlong pole, and was ridden from over a furlong out, keeping on well, despite drifting left, to score by three parts of a length. Spanish Steps who was sent off the well-supported 4/6 favourite (from 11/8 last night), was slightly hampered when the winner drifted, but he still couldn't reel her in once switched to the inner.
The front two went nine lengths clear of Covetus who finished third at 7/1 under Billy Lee for Willie McCreery.
Kris Weld said afterwards: "She didn't quite get home at Tipperary but she was much happier coming back in trip today and battled well.
"She is a very well bred filly - her uncle is Harzand, and it's great to get the win with her. We'll look for a handicap with her next."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards received a report from stable yard security, regarding the late arrival of Ilikehim trained by William Durkan, to the racecourse. The Stewards interviewed Michael Fitzsimons, authorised representative of William Durkan, who stated that having left home at 11:45 am with the intention of arriving at 3pm, there was a traffic accident on the M7 which delayed him considerably. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed the horse to run and took no further action other than to remind Michael Fitzsimons of his obligations to arrive at the racecourse in sufficient time in future.
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Spanish Steps, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed second and Harrana, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed first, where it appeared Spanish Steps was forced to switch. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.
Anastasia O'Brien, rider of Ruby Quest trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount hung throughout.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
