Reptar captured the #10,000 Billpay Handicap, feature event on a low-key programme at Fairyhouse this evening. Ger Lyons` charge held the late thrust of top-weight Aretha by 1/2 length, before surviving a subsequent Stewards` Enquiry.
Pat Flynn`s stable has really struck form of late, and he recorded a double with Siberian Truce and the consistent Kate Emily.
The trainer got stuck in traffic and missed seeing Siberian Truce secure the 1 mile handicap under star apprentice Tom Queally. He arrived just in time to catch a replay, and was delighted to see the gelding (the outsider of his pair) comfortably account for his eight rivals.
Kate Emily completed the brace when leading inside the final furlong in the QR handicap. 'The fast ground is the key to her', said Flynn 'and she will continue in handicaps before tackling a maiden hurdle'.
Saffron Dancer (8/1 - 6/1) landed a nice touch for connections in the 7f Eircom Race. Kevin Prendergast`s filly, bought for less than 6,000 guineas at the Goffs sales, ran out a comfortable two length winner from Galway scorer Galanta.
Prendergast also went on to complete a double when Kolleya kept on strongly to defeat favourite Mutakarrim in the apprentice maiden. 'He`ll probably run in a handicap next, and will go hurdling eventually', opined the handler of the gelding, previously a bumper winner at Thurles.
Ceann Amhain Eile was one of the few disappointments for Dermot Weld at Ballybrit, but the gelding bounced back quickly to take the opening nursery in good style.
Clear Move (4/7) made heavy weather of landing the odds in the bumper, all out to hold the fast-finishing Kramer by a head.
There were just two lucky winners of the jackpot, with each receiving a healthy #4,339.80 for their efforts.
