Great Oak in great form at Tramore

The red-hot favourite was turned over in the opening two mile ladies maiden on day three of Tramore’s Festival as Great Oak hacked up in good style.

Willie Mullins, looking to enhance a 33 per cent strike-rate at the Waterford track, sent out 8/15 favourite Dare To Doubt who was partnered by Katie Walsh.

The pair led throughout, but were joined on the home bend by 5/1 second favourite Great Oak and Adrienne Foley, who quickly went on and put the race to bed in a matter of strides. The winning distance was five and a half lengths.

John Nicholson trains the mare and said: “I knew yesterday she was on form. I ride her out myself every morning and that’s how she’s so fit!

“She’ll go for a conditions chase at Galway and then on to Listowel. She’s been very unlucky. She was the first horse beaten a nose when that distance was brought in [Listowel bumper September 2011].

“Adrienne gave her a great ride. Katie Walsh was due to ride her, but when Willie put his in she had to ride it.”

Punters at the track only wanted to know about the winner, backed down from 6/1, and the runner-up, supported from 8/13. Ordinary Man kept on for Jane Mangan to take third place in the nine-runner contest at 14/1.

Great Oak’s last outing saw the six-year-old finish second to Glibin at the Galway Festival, beaten a neck in a novices chase.

(on course reporting by Donal Murphy)