Tipperary racecourse, one of the proposed locations for a new all-weather track, staged an eight race all Flat card tonight in driving rain in front of a small attendance.
The featured Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fairy Bridge Stakes saw the famous Ridgewood Pearl colours carried to another big race success with Sean Coughlan's Queen Of Palms winning for trainer Kevin Prendergast.
Pat Shanahan held the daughter of Desert Prince up towards the rear before making steady progress to lead a furlong and a half from home, eventually beating Fearn Royal by a length.
Afterwards, winning trainer Kevin Prendergast reported 'she needs soft ground and we will try for a bigger race with her now. Pat (Shanahan) gave her a lovely ride and is a good sub to have on your side!'
Prendergast's other runner, Takrice (11/4 favourite), finished seventh and was reported to be coughing post-race.
Prendergast later completed a double to record his 29th win of the season with stable jockey Declan McDonogh partnering Coquette Rouge to a hard earned win in the Irish Masiden Rated Race.
The opening race, division one of the 2yo maiden, was run in silence resulting from a problem with the loudspeakers. The race itself was, however, a competitive event and was won by Aidan O'Brien's Falstaff.
The son of Montjeu made a promising debut at this venue earlier this month and stayed on well to head front-running Fuensanta inside the final furlong. John Oxx's Concert Party was never involved but kept on under pressure in the closing stages to take a close third.
Wexford trainer Martine Doran was marginally less surprised than most after the win of her 20/1 shot (89/1 on Tote) Violets Empire in the second division of the 2yo maiden.
The winner, who was tenth of 15 on his debut at Naas, was reported by Doran to have 'been doing well at home but the win was still a surprise.' She added 'I have a license about 18 months and that's my second winner and my first on the Flat.'
Violets Empire's rider Davy Condon completed a double on easy winner Rathgowney Lad in the concluding 1m1f handicap.
Ex-jockey Harry Rogers is still finding his way to the winner's enclosure as a trainer and saddled Fit The Cove to win the South Tipperary Hospice Handicap. He reported 'Fit The Cove did that well and the ground was no bother to him. He'll probably go for a similar handicap now.'
Fit The Cove's rider Pat Smullen later completed a double when partnering Frances Crowley's Kay Two to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race. According to Crowley, 'Kat Two handled the heavy ground well, likes the track and will come back for the Listed Tipperary Stakes here on October 3.'
Padraig Beggy rode his 19th winner of the season and is now seven winners behind Cathy Gannon in the Apprentice Jockey's Championship following the win of Frank Lacy's Belleinga in the five furlong maiden.
Thomas Weekes.
