Curious Bride tough out in Clonmel

Curious Bride put in a strong-staying performance to take the John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap in Clonmel.

Josh Williamson did the steering on the seven-year-old mare who moved into contention as the race unfolded a furlong and a-half out.

She took aim at Molly Hall and collared her inside the final furlong. From there, she stuck to her task to open up by two and three-quarter lengths at 7/1.

Runner-up Molly Hall went off 11/4 joint favourite and was some five lengths in front of Elusive Guy (17/2).

Eamonn O'Connell said: "She is consistent, in fairness to her, and as long as the ground stays good she'll stay running. She will run in the all-weather for the winter and I'd say she will be covered then next year.

"There are two in the partnership (Sheoda Racing Partnership), Eoin and Darragh Godfrey, and this is this first horse. They are hurling for South Liberties (club) tonight, so aren't here unfortunately.

"Josh knows Eoin (son) as he works in Gordon Elliott's and this is his first ride for me. He should make it and if he turns out to be anything like his father (Norman), he will do."

This was Curious Bride's fourth career success - three on the Flat and one over hurdles.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes