Eyecatcher completes bumper hat-trick

Miss Eyecatcher stayed on stoutly to complete a bumper hat-trick in game fashion in the concluding contest at Listowel this afternoon.

2/1 favourite Dos Picas travelled strongly to lead turning for home in the two-mile contest but Miss Eyecatcher was driven up on the outside and soon pressed the market leader.

Roger McGrath 's mare got on terms inside the final furlong and asserted, under Declan Queally, in the last 100 yards to record a length-and-three-quarters success.

The 11/2 winner was making her first start since winning at Tipperary in late May having also opened her account at the same track two weeks previously.

"She was a little fresh in herself but it's nice for a mare to win three bumpers,” said McGrath.

"She'll go for a Graded bumper at Gowran in a fortnight and after that will go hurdling. She'll stay hurdling for a season and will then go chasing.

"She is bred to stay but is classy with it and is also good to jump. She's a lovely mare to have."

There was drama mid-race as leader Hold Your Nerve ran out passing the stands and unseated rider Kate Harrington. Fortunately she was none-the-worse for the tumble.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)