Austin & Shortall on the mark with Loyalty

Loyalty Card held off the challenge of Shan Dun Na nGall to win the Book Online At www.tramore-racecourse.com Handicap Hurdle.

Sent off a 12/1 chance, the Austin Leahy trained daughter of Daylami was settled behind the leaders in the early stages. She made progress to lead before the fifth, and soon went clear.

Her advantage was reduced on the run to two out, but she pulled out more under pressure, keeping on well on the run-in to prevail by half a length.

The well-backed Shan Dun Na nGall, who challenged the winner from two out, had to settle for second under Kevin Sexton for Gordon Elliott.

He opened on-course at 8/1, but was returned a 7/2 joint-favourite.

The front two went six lengths clear of Coolfighter (14's this morning and from 8's to 6's on-course) who finished third under David Splaine for Noel Dooly. Odit was the other joint-favourite (backed from 16's this morning) and he finished fourth.

Austin Leahy, who trains the winner for his wife Ellen, said afterwards: "It wasn't the plan. Shane was meant to hold her up but she kind of got going on him.

"She has a little bit of class you see, she won a maiden at Dundalk over a mile and a quarter. I’m glad she hung on.

"She might go for another one of those or should could go back on the flat. She obviously goes on that ground. They done a good job on the ground. It's quick but not hard."

Jockey Jonathan Burke was on commentary duty for this race.

Burke, who is currently sidelined with a fractured vertebrae, was well-known for his point-to-point commentary skills long before he made a name for himself in the saddle.

This was his first time to commentate at a racecourse proper.