Easy win for Lyrical in the Naas finale

Lyrical Theatre ran out a very easy winner of the last at Naas, the Kildare Post (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race, scoring under Patrick Mullins for his father Willie and owners the Hibo Syndicate.

The five-year-old daughter of King’s Theatre won by twenty lengths on her debut at Sligo in August but she disappointed on her next start at Galway, finishing third when sent off the even money favourite.

Interestingly the two horses who finished in front of her on that occasion, Sheamus and Princely Conn, have both won since.

Sent off the 6/5 favourite today she was settled in mid-division, improving to take closer order from before the straight.

She was ridden to the front a furlong and a half from home and soon stretched clear, coming home nine and a half lengths to the good. Sandymount Duke finished second at 9/2 under Kate Harrington for her mother Jessica, while Uncle Tone ran well to finish third, a further three and a quarter lengths back under Katie Walsh for David Kiely at 16/1.

Willie Mullins said afterwards: "She's never shown much at home and surprised me in Sligo, winning by 20 lengths from what I thought was an unwinnable position.

"I was wondering was that a fluke after Galway but that race worked out a lot better. Patrick changed a few things with the tactics today and it seemed to work.

“She looks to be as good as her pedigree suggests she could be. She's a half-sister to Bright New Dawn.

“We'll look at the Listed mares bumper at Navan (23rd November) and that might be the plan."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed Miss K. Harrington, rider of Sandymount Duke, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10. 3.(f), in that she had used her whip with excessive frequency and having considered her record suspended her for two racedays.

Mrs T. K. Cooper, Acting Steward, absented herself from this enquiry.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson