Collins' mare on an upward curve

Steps In The Sand (6/1) followed up a recent win at Sligo when taking the Quinn Estate Agents Handicap Hurdle under Eoin Walsh.

Trained for the Zoom Buddies Syndicate by Cian Collins, the five-year-old came off the bridle after the third-last and appeared held when ridden behind the leaders approaching the last but stormed up the hill to lead inside the final 100 yards. A length and three quarters was the margin of victory over The Vegas Raider

Collins said: "I thought if she handled the track the hill finish would play to her strengths. She's a strong finisher.

"Very versatile, Flat or jumps. She tries which is a big thing with a horse. When you have a horse that tries, you have a big chance with one.

"Good ground and the stiff finish definitely helped as well. I think over further she will be better again.

"She'll get a rest now after that.

"I have five or six in Killarney this week - a few nice ones hopefully. When they are running well, we will keep them going and hopefully get another winner or two out of it."

Quotes from Michael Graham