Sineads Fancy and Liam Quinlan took the penultimate contest at Downpatrick© Photo Healy Racing
Tipperary trainer Stephen Ryan put his name on the scoresheet on the racecourse proper for the first time since October 2021 when Sineads Fancy caused a 14/1 surprise in the Shortcross Irish Whiskey Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.
Another Premier County man teamed up with Ryan for the success as Liam Quinlan did the steering on the Jack O'Dwyer-owned Laverock mare.
In advance of this near two and three quarter miler there was positive talk about for a few of the participants, but in the end three of them clearly separated themselves from the rest.
Second and third placers Mister Vic and A Mere Bagatelle performed with credit. They had to yield by two lengths and a length and three parts of a length to Sineads Fancy though, in this 80 to 95 event.
"No, I never sat on her at home. I rode a mare for Stephen the last day in Wexford and she finished fourth, and the same owner had her so that is why I rode this one today," revealed Quinlan.
"She was a bit caught for pace all the way so I knew all she would do is stay. I tried to make the most of it and I sent her on a long way out. To be fair to her, she stayed galloping the whole way to the line.
"She wants stepping up in trip, she will handle three miles. Thet will be the plan going forward.
"He (Ryan) put her on a medicine for ulcers, so that is after improving her as well. He was happy coming here, he said she would like the track.
"It is grand the way it all worked out. You never know with these mares - once they get their head in front, they might stay improving."
The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.S. McGarvey, rider of Mister Vic, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that J.S. McGarvey was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), they suspended him for four racedays.
A.P. Kelly, rider of Slaney Bank trained by Mark Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout and stopped quickly.
K. Callaghan, rider of Glaoinn An Airgead trained by James M. Barcoe, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.
(MG & EM)
