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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Empress Alma easily dismisses Down Royal rivals

Fri 19th Jul 2024, 20:56

Empress Alma and Gary Carroll come home clear of their rivalsEmpress Alma and Gary Carroll come home clear of their rivals
© Photo Healy Racing

Empress Alma followed-up on her recent Naas success, as she easily dismissed eight rivals in the concluding Freixenet Handicap.

Upped in trip to a mile and five-furlongs for the first time, the Gavin Cromwell-trained bay proved easy-to-back and was returned an 11/2 chance from early shows of 3/1.

Settled towards rear by Gary Carroll, the 56-rated victor made progress on the outer from the three-furlong pole and improved to lead with just over a furlong to race.

Soon ridden, she quickly scooted clear and eventually came home five-and-a-half lengths to the good.

The Mick Mulvany-trained Highland Bells (9/1) ran on late to take second under Wesley Joyce, while Question Of Class who was returned the 18/5 favourite, was a neck away in third.

"She is bred to go that sort of trip," Carroll reflected.

"To be honest, I think the race fell apart and we went very fast. I think they stopped in front of me and she stayed going.

"She's a nice filly, a bit of size and stays the trip so hopefully in time she will improve again.

"She wants a bit of nice ground, she's a nice-moving filly.

"She is genuine and tries, so it is great to get results."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident on the turn into the home straight involving Benvoy ridden by W.J. Lee, unplaced, Question Of Class, ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed third, and Fine Print ridden by Siobhan Rutledge, placed fourth, where it appeared Benvoy momentarily ran short of room. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

1st
11/2
Tote €6.50 €1.80
2nd
5.5L
9/1
€2.40
3rd
nk
18/5Fav
€1.80
4th
nk
10/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.