Sunset Sadie and Eoin O'Connell© Photo Healy Racing
As has been the case throughout the session at Clonmel, the Minorstown Handicap Hurdle was a stiff examination of fitness and stamina which 22/1 shot Sunset Sadie passed with flying colours.
Pace-setter Zipporah had plenty of these crying enough from a long way out.
Not surprisingly those efforts eventually took their toll on her as she faded from two out to finish seventh.
Ridden patiently from the back by winning trainer Eamonn O'Connell's son Eoin, Sunset Sadie asserted from before the last for an easy twenty one length success over Lets High Five It
"They probably went a bit fast in front and she stayed going well. She had disappointed us at Christmas but we freshened her up since and she'll now continue to run away," said O'Connell senior.
"She handled that ground and we'll give her a few weeks before running again."
L.P. Gilligan, rider of Rock On Bach trained by Thomas P. Cummins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the ground.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Coole Craft trained by R.Donohoe, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Littlestickarubarb trained by Adrian Maguire pulled both front shoes.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Glen's Dd trained by Garrett James Power pulled her right fore shoe.
The Stewards requested a report from Eamonn O'Connell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Sunset Sadie, placed first, as compared with its recent form.
Mr.O'Connell stated that she disappointed on her previous run in Limerick for no apparent reason and other than a liking for the track, he could offer no other
explanation for today's improved performance.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation.
(TW & EM)
