Pledge rewards support after quick return The well-backed Nellie Pledge came from last to first to claim the mares handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe. Liam Gilligan held his mount up out the back in the early stages of the two-and-a-half mile contest before moving closer three from home. The Brian Cawley-trained mare hit the front before the last flight and kept on strongly in the closing stages to record a four-length success over Kilganer Queen. The winner had traded as big as 8/1 this morning and eventually went to post a 3/1 shot. She had run well to finish third to Contingency in a mares hurdle at Galway just three days ago. "She's hardy. Her run in Galway was a good one. She came out of it well so it was kind of a no brainer to come," said Cawley. "If she hadn't run in Galway you'd be confident coming here. "We were still confident but just with the run in Galway — had it left its mark on her? "The plan was to give her a little break but we'll have to see after that. "Liam is very good. He's got an old head on young shoulders. "He thought she was gone asleep on him there. He gets her asleep but then she latches on and starts racing. "Although I was half worried after going a circuit today she was that switched off." Tay Lane, sent off the 11/4 favourite, weakened tamely after racing prominently to finish last of the eight runners. (Quotes by Eamonn Murphy)
