Fintara sends punters home happy

A wind operation proved just the tonic for Fintara who justified strong support when getting off the mark at the fourth attempt in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race at Punchestown.

The daughter of Kayf Tara was available at 7/1 earlier in the day and was further supported on track from 11/2 into 3/1.

Kate Harrington elected to send her mount to the front approaching the straight, and the five-year-old asserted over a furlong out.

The few lengths advantage gained at that point proved crucial as she was hanging on in the closing stages and eventually prevailed by a neck. Ladysingstheblues the 7/4 favourite, kept on one paced to take the runner-up spot, while Martello Park probably finished best of all to be just a half-length further back in third.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said, “Sally Rowley-Williams owns Special Tiara and that’s the first winner she’s had in Ireland in over four years as Special Tiara has only won in England.

“This filly had a nice run first time out and then had a wind operation after she ran in Naas. It seems to have done the trick. I was taking a chance running her today because she was a bit undercooked.

“It was a mares race and the next mares bumper was at Fairyhouse on the inside track. I just prefer this one. That’s the reason we came here and it paid off so it’s great.

“I’m delighted as it’s my first winner for Sally and she has a couple of other horses with me, so hopefully it’s the start.

“I’d say we’ll head over hurdles. There is a Listed bumper, she might run in that, but I’d say we’ll head on over hurdles. She’s only just turned five now and she’s a nice mare.

“Better ground would probably suit although Kayf Taras go on anything really. As she gets stronger she’ll go on softer ground. She’s a biggish mare.”

(GC & AM)