Run For Mary (Philip Byrnes, nearside) beat With A Start (Tom Hamilton) and Dalileo (Maxine O'Sullivan)© Photo Healy Racing
Hammered into 11/10 favouritism Run For Mary delivered for the Solwhit connections of the Top Of The Hill Syndicate and trainer Charles Byrnes in the Indaver Ireland (Q.R.) Handicap at Bellewstown.
Ridden by Byrnes’ son Philip, the Flemensfirth mare raced in mid-division, and she made good headway into second two furlongs out.
Soon ridden, Run For Mary closed a furlong out, improving to lead inside the last and staying on well close home to beat determined foe With A Start by three parts of a length.
Second favourite Dalileo kept on for third, a length and three parts back.
“She was under a bit of pressure but stuck at it well. She'll probably head to Galway,” said Byrnes senior.
The Stewards requested a report from C. Byrnes, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Run For Mary, placed first, as compared with its recent form.
C. Byrnes stated that his charge had pulled very hard and not got home on its previous run, having been off for a long time.
Furthermore, he stated that his charge settled much better today, had the benefit of a recent run and was ridden by a seven pound claimer, all of which had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form when compared to its previous run.
Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.
(GC & EM)
