Escape justifies market support

Escape Footwear justified market support as she ran out a comfortable winner of the bumper at Limerick, the Mike Denver Plays Live After Racing Flat Race, in the colours of Leo McArdle.

Available at 5/4 last night the daughter of Mahler opened on-course at 8/11 before going off the clear favourite at 1/2.

Settled in second by Patrick Mullins she closed on the leader approaching the straight.

She travelled strongly to lead two furlongs out and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong to score by four lengths.

Newcomer Simiel (7/1), who attempted to make all, ran a fine race to finish second under David Roche for Henry De Bromhead. Sandycove Island (33/1), who lost considerable ground at the start, was a further seven and a half lengths back in third under Don Atkinson for Michael Kennedy.

The winner was making her debut for Willie Mullins this evening and she won a point-to-point on her fifth attempt at Largy when trained by Colin Bowe. She was last seen pulling up at Laurencetown in May.

Patrick Mullins said afterwards: "She was very professional and Colin Bowe had done a great job teaching her before we got her.

"She's not the biggest and while I wouldn't fancy riding her over fences on heavy ground, she does jump and good ground is the makings of her.

"She could run in a winners' bumper if one comes up at the right time."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer, Ms. Nicola O'Connor MVB, that Baby Bellini, trained by I. Madden had entered the stableyard and on veterinary examination had displayed visible evidence of a recent skin disease. She further confirmed that no veterinary certificate regarding the skin condition was furnished to her as Veterinary Officer as required under Rule 148 (v). Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who accepted that the horse had entered the stableyard with a visible skin disease and without a veterinary certificate related to the condition. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that I. Madden was in breach of Rule 148 (i) and (v) and fined him €500 and ordered the horse's withdrawal from the race and removal from the racecourse. They further requested the racecourse management to ensure that the relevant stables were not to be used for the remainder of the day and were to be disinfected immediately.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes