Miss Mardan (right) just gets up to beat High Haven (left) and Powersbomb© Photo Healy Racing
There was a thrilling finish to the concluding Brendan McNutly Memorial Maiden, with Miss Mardan just getting up to score under Tom Madden.
A dual winner under National Hunt rules, the Sean Byrne trained eight-year-old was fifth to Miles To Memphis on her flat debut at Leopardstown just under two weeks ago, with Powersbomb finishing second.
Sent off at 10/1 this evening she was settled in mid-division on the inner by Tom Madden.
She improved on to the heels of the leaders from the two furlong pole, and was switched to the outer and ridden in fourth with over a furlong left to race.
The B & M Partnership owned bay really got going in the last 200 yards, getting up on the line to prevail by a nose.
The 5/4 favourite High Haven was the one just denied. The Willie Mullins trained four-year-old didn't enjoy the clearest of runs, and drifted left under pressure when leading in the closing stages.
.Powersbomb (5s this morning and from 10/3 to 5/2 on-course), who was bumped by the runner-up inside the final furlong, was another short head back in third, with Seamie Heffernan in the saddle for Brian McMahon.
Sean Byrne said in the aftermath: "She's game. I thought she didn't get it and it was only a whisker.
"There is a two-mile race for her in Galway and hopefully we get a drop of rain. We were lucky to get it here. Tom gave her a hell of a ride."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Powersbomb, ridden by J.A. Heffernan, placed third and High Haven, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second. 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.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
