Without Words and Mikey Sheehy © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Joseph O'Brien completed a treble on the card as 40/1 outsider Without Words got up close home under Mikey Sheehy to win the featured Group 3 Coolmore Stud No Nay Never Fairy Bridge Stakes (Fillies) at Tipperary.
Having won the opening two races on the day, O'Brien could be forgiven for thinking that he was playing for places at best here, given that both his runners started at 25/1 and 40/1 respectively.
Last years runner-up Matilde Picotte made a bold bid from the front, leading early before building up an advantage of 12 lengths at halfway.
When Ronan Whelan kicked on entering the straight, the Kieran Cotter trained filly looked set to go one place better as those in behind were pushing along.
However, Without Words, who sat last at the furlong pole, was switched to the outer by Mikey Sheehy before being sent in pursuit of the leader. Moving second at the furlong pole, the three-year-old came with a strong late run which saw her lead inside the last 50 yards to win by a length.
Sean Corby representing Joseph O’Brien: “She ran well the other day (in Killarney) and Dylan felt she needs a good gallop to aim at and she got it there.
“She can be a little bit keen but settled lovely today with the pace that was on. She picked up well and just got there.
“In fairness Matilda Picotte stayed going well.
“She is a talented filly when things fall right for her. That’s a career best today and she’s going the right way.
“It’s been a great day, the horses are running really well.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
