Foley 'very good' on Real Bad

Not Too Real Bad got up in the final strides to land the Follow Us On Social Media Handicap.

Trained by Tom Mullins and owned by his wife Helen, the Exceed And Excel bay deservedly made the breakthrough on her seventh start at Dundalk in January.

She filled the runner-up spot on her most recent outing and was sent off a 9/1 chance this evening with Shane Foley aboard.

A bit keen in mid-division, she was ridden over a furlong from home and stayed on strongly in the centre of the track, getting up to prevail by a head.

The Eamonn Delaney trained Escaping Thejungle (10s early) was the one just denied, while El Tesoro was half-a-length back in third.

Those two were returned 9/2 co-favourites, along with Vanguard Star who finished seventh.

"We came to the conclusion after the last day that she didn't see out the six in Dundalk," said Mullins.

"We said we'd go five wherever we go next. We waited for here and she's even strengthened up a lot since her last run. She's getting stronger all the time and she was definitely a little better today.

"I thought Shane was very good on her, he gave her a lovely ride. She definitely needs good ground.

"There is another three-year-old only sprint in the Curragh on June 7th. She might go there next."

STEWARDS REPORTS

W.M. Lordan, rider of Escaping Thejungle, trained by E. D. Delany, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson