Foley's Flare follows-up in Fairyhouse feature

Tango Flare followed-up on his maiden success at Cork as he got up close home to land the feature at Fairyhouse this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race

Trained by Pat Foley, the four-year-old Fulbright gelding was sent off a 7/1 chance under Luke McAteer and he was settled behind the leaders on the outer.

Ridden to challenge over a furlong from home, he edged to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by half-a-length in the colours of owner Ray McSharry.

It was a landmark success for McAteer, as he rode out his claim.

Sent off the 13/8 favourite, Queen Maedbh had to settle for second after attempting to make all under Dylan Browne McMonagle, while My Eyes Adore You was a head away in third.

"This is what he's showing us in his work every day. The win last time has done his confidence the world of good, a win is always a help to a horse," said Foley.

"Coming here we were very happy with the conditions, the race was ideal for him."

When asked if there had been interest after his Cork success he added:- "There had been and I'm sure there will be more after today. I hope he's not sold as there is a listed race at the Curragh that I'd love to go for.

"If he's not sold that's where he'll go but if he is sold, it is a business.

"There is a six furlong listed race at the Curragh on July 2nd (Belgrave Stakes). It's stepping him up again but I'm sure he'll go up to the mid 90s and realistically that's what we have to go for.

"If he went and ran well there that's definitely going to increase his price and the people looking for him.

"The boys asked Luke there 'did he improve?' and he said no, this is what he shows us every day.

"Luke is brilliant, anytime I want him to ride he's there. I can't thank Mr Bolger enough, Jim has given us use of the gallops since my father's time and is very good to let me use them as well.

"Every time we go up Luke is there waiting to sit on him and he knows the horse inside out. I don't give him instructions, I give him the leg up and he knows what to do.

"You'd love to be able to have these good horses and to be able to go to war with them. It is a business but, in saying that , you'd love to be able to hold on to a couple of them."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson