Parga Diamond heads for home© Photo Healy Racing
Experience came to the fore in the mares' bumper at Tramore as Parga Diamond made all for Derek O'Connor.
Hilary McLoughlin 's mare had been unplaced in five previous runs, but certainly didn't run badly in fourth at Ballinrobe and in sixth when last seen in a big field at Galway.
O'Connor was keen to get on with things and the pair were there to be shot at over a quarter of a mile out as a host of horses held chances in behind.
Crucially, Parga Diamond held the rail and she negotiated the undulations in Tramore very nicely as she began to pull away in the final furlong.
She scooted in by three and three-quarter lengths at 7/1 with Diamond Tipp second at 11/1. Music Of Life (18/1) was another three-parts of a length back in third at 18/1.
O'Connor said: "The pace of the race at Galway was slow and she stayed on brilliantly to the line.
"I just wanted to make more use of her today and it just happened that we got to make the running, so it worked out a treat.
"It is tight and undulating at Tramore, so it suited her to be in front. She's after putting in a nice performance and she's very well-bred being out of Ebor winner Sesenta. She could stay improving and be a nice mare yet."
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident coming down the hill involving Keep It Cool ridden by Mr F. Maguire, unplaced, and Music Of Life, ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, placed third where it appeared Keep It Cool clipped a heel and stumbled. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. F. Maguire stated that the horse on his inside manoeuvred out and took his racing line while he was not clear of him. Mr J.H. Williamson stated that on rounding the bend his mount became unbalanced and shifted out. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr. J.H. Williamson, was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended him for 2 racedays.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
