Clara takes the luck that comes her way

A bit a luck is all you need as the old saying goes and Mike Condon certainly had that as he ended a fruitless spell under Rules, that went back to August 2001, when Clara Mc Cloud scored in the hands of his son Davy at Tramore.

In this Tramore Family Fun Day Maiden Hurdle, the punters wanted to know, principally about Willie Mullins' Perfect Gentleman (around 10/11 this morning into 8/13). This proved to be costly business for favourite backers as the King's Theatre gelding had to be pulled-up by Patrick Mullins after a terrible blunder early on.

The front-running Dubh Go Leir bidding to follow in the foot-steps of her dam, Aine Dubh, who scored on this card in 2003, had to all intents and purposes, this race 'in the bag' going to the last.

Heartbreakingly for her connections and backers she came down at the final flight, presenting the race to Clara Mc Cloud, who went on to beat Town Pond by eight and a half lengths.

Mike Condon said: "I ran two today and I thought the other one (Mac Idol) would go better (finished fourth in the first).

"This mare won a point-to-point in Kilworth and I was advised to go for a mares bumper or the Gain Final but I'm glad I didn't now.

"That's her first run over hurdles. She's improving and I knew she'd stay.

"We still thought we had a chance (before Dubh Go Leir's departure) as she doesn't throw in the towel and she stays."

Meanwhile Davy Condon remarked: "That's my first winner for Dad." (DM & EM)