Dragon's Pass beats her better fancied rivals

The lowest-rated runner in the line-up, Dragon's Pass sprang a 20/1 surprise in the Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle.

Second three-times since her last win at Fairyhouse in January, the Denise Foster-trained seven-year-old went down by just a neck when last seen at Sligo in August.

Settled in mid-division by Sam Ewing, the Dragon's Pulse bay was pushed along and took closer order approaching the straight.

Just in front on the outer before the final flight, she battled on gamely when ridden on the run-in, getting the better of hat-trick seeking Costanuci (13/2) by a length-and-three-quarters.

The well-backed Mitiva (10/3jf from 12s early) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third, while Atimetodream who was the other joint-favourite, finished a tailed off eleventh.

"I'm delighted because she is a real tough mare who is no world-beater but does her best," Foster commented.

"It is quite a long time since her last run at Sligo and she hasn't done much since then but was fresh and well. She is still carrying condition and I wanted to keep her for the real winter ground, which we will get, and I'm delighted.

"The owners have been really good patrons of mine and have stuck by me. Peter (Newell), the breeder, passed away a few years ago and Hugh and Evan keep the show on the road and I'm delighted for them."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Atimetodream, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes