Blustery in contention© Photo Healy Racing
Robert Tyner's Blustery got off the mark at 40/1 in the second split of the Templeglantine Handicap Chase in Limerick.
The seven-year-old mare challenged Mahler Of Autumn at the second last and soon hit the front in this extended two mile six contest. She stayed on stoutly on the run-in for Phillip Enright to win by a healthy three and three quarter lengths. Rubiana (10/1) got up for second by a length and three parts to Mahler Of Autumn (25/1).
Enright said: “That’s a nice surprise. She was disappointing the last day in Wexford. The step up in trip probably suited her and the better ground.
“She jumped and she travelled away well today. I’d a bit of a scary moment at the last but other than that she was good.
“Her owners David and Sheila Cotter probably deserve a lot of credit for standing by her. She hasn’t many runs for her age but they never gave up on her.
“She had a good run first time out in a point-to-point but has been very disappointing since. I think the better ground is key to her.”
This was Blustery's ninth racecourse outing - four hurdle races and five over fences. In addition, she was runner-up in her sole point-to-point.
The Stewards requested a report from Robert Tyner, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Blustery, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Mary Tyner, Authorised Representative for Robert Tyner stated that the better ground today coupled with a step up in trip had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
