Gold Tantrum and Shane Butler© Photo Healy Racing
Gold Tantrum fourth on the polytrack at Dundalk just eleven days back, had her attentions turned to the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Mares Maiden Hurdle at Tramore and she got off the mark at the thirty fifth attempt in the hands of Shane Butler.
The Gold Well mare, an eight-year-old at this stage, led two out, the 8/1 chance was clear at the last, but at the finish she was all out to contain the bid of Give Her Bach by half a length.
"Time will probably show that this was a poor maiden hurdle but we are dam glad to be able to pick it up," acknowledged successful handler Seamus Fahey.
"We will see what the handicapper does with her and she will mix it between the flat and hurdles. It is a nice bit of prize money to pick up here.
"I'd say she got there too soon. Shane said coming down the hill she was travelling so well that he'd go to the front. That wouldn't have been the plan, we had planned to deliver her late."
Owned by Fahey's wife Bernadette, this was a real family win, as Shane Butler is their son-in-law.
The Stewards received a report from Mr. D. Cullen, Turf Club Starter, who stated that a false start was called in this race after the starting mechanism had failed to operate correctly, despite working when checked prior to the start of this race.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered and granted permission for flag starts for the remainder of today's races.
(DM & EM)
