Zippy is ridden out by Donagh O'Connor with My Painter in the second© Photo Healy Racing
The Johnny Levins trained Zippy landed some nice bets as she took the Racing Again At Tipperary July 6th Handicap.
Successful at Yarmouth in October when trained by Daniel Kubler, she was then sold for 8,000 guineas at Tattersalls later that month.
Well-beaten on her first three outings for Levins at Dundalk, she opened on-course at 25/1 this evening, before going off a 16/1 chance in the colours of the Esteem Racing Club.
Settled behind the leaders by Donagh O'Connor, she took closer order on the approach to the straight, and was ridden to challenge on the inner with a furlong and a half left to race.
She got to the front inside the final furlong, and kept on well in the closing stages to score by a length. My Painter who attempted to make all, had to settle for second at 10/1 under Seamie Heffernan for Denis Hogan. Bouquet Garni (7/1) and No Approval (16/1) completed the placings in third and fourth respectively, while the hat-trick seeking 5/1 favourite Avalanche was eighth.
Levins said afterwards: "Donagh gave her a no nonsense ride and was in a winning position all the way around and she travelled in like the best horse.
"She was in off a lenient mark and it was an ordinary race.
"It's great to get a first winner for the Esteem Racing Club.
"They've a nice bunch of ladies and gentlemen in the Club and don't have that much room for more."
STEWARDS REPORTS
K.J. Leonard, rider of Avalanche (GB) trained by T.J. O'Mara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his position in the early stages and ran out of racing room in the final furlong.
D.W. O'Connor, rider of Zippy (GB) trained by J.F. Levins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount banged its head leaving the stalls.
The Stewards requested a report from J.F. Levins, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Zippy (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that his charge had an improved run at Dundalk on its last start, having previously disappointed. He added that today's switch to a different surface and the removal of a hood may have brought about further improvement. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the report.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Zippy (GB), trained by J.F. Levins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood on both nostrils post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
