Folly Dat makes all under Ring for Watson

Folly Dat proved game in front as she made all in the Molson Coors Handicap Hurdle, surviving a stewards enquiry before being officially confirmed the winner.

Previously trained by Gordon Elliott and placed over the course in May, the Keith Watson trained seven-year-old was sent off at 10/1 today under Andrew Ring.

In front throughout, she was pressed by the well-backed Shine In Dubai (7s in early shows and from 7/2 into 3/1 joint-favouritism on-course) from the last.

She soon drifted left under pressure on the run-in and hampered Shine In Dubai, going on to score by a length and three parts in the colours of owner John Taylor.

Danny Mullins was aboard the runner-up for his mother Mags, while the other joint-favourite, Smiling Jessica was another length and a half back in third.

The winner is a full-sister to Blue Empyrean, who won twice earlier this year for the same connections.

Marshall Watson, son of the winning trainer, said afterwards: "She didn't run terribly badly in Listowel, just she kicked hurdles out of the ground. I don't think she likes the traditional hurdles. She has run best over EasyFix hurdles.

"She had two months off after Listowel and we sent her down to Mallow for an introduction back. She came on for the run and duly obliged.

"A big thank you to John Taylor (from Dromore in Co Down) who sent me her from Gordon Elliott's.

"She had been working extremely well.

"Andrew (Ring) thought a step up in distance would help her and it certainly has - she galloped all the way to the line.

"She is what she is and this is her grade."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Folly Dat, ridden by A. Ring, placed first and Shine In Dubai, ridden by D.E. Mullins, placed second, where it appeared that Shine in Dubai ran short of room on the rails and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings, however were of the opinion that A. Ring was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard suspended him for one raceday.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lady Of The Sea trained by Paul Nolan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham