In-foal Butterfly wins again at Tramore

The in-foal Butterfly Garden again showed her liking for the undulations of Tramore, as she claimed the Strand Inn Dunmore East Handicap.

Successful on this very card in 2022, the Awtaad mare wasn't beaten far when fifth on her most recent start at Down Royal last month.

Owned and bred by Kevin Prendergast, the five-year-old was sent off a 13/2 chance and after breaking smartly from her wide draw in 15, she was soon settled behind the leaders by Gary Halpin.

Taking closer order in second with half-a-mile to go, the 55-rated victor travelled best to lead from the two-furlong pole and kept finding for pressure, holding off the late effort of Paper Doll by half-a-length.

The runner-up was returned a 6/1 chance under Daniel King for John Murphy, while Red Trail (18/1) kept on well in the closing stages to take third, another length back.

Returned the 11/4 favourite, Boomerang Bill could only manage a disappointing eighth.

"Kevin is an unbelievable man and I'm lucky to be in his company. He just told me to do the same as I did the last time she won here, keep it as simple as we can," Halpin revealed.

"It was always going to be difficult from the draw but she got away from the gates good and put herself into a winning position.

"She is not an overly big filly, she is plenty agile, gets around here well and seems to cope with the track well.

"I'd say she hasn't got many runs left, she is in foal to Phoenix Of Spain. He is doing well as a stallion and nearly had the winner of the Guineas (Haatem) this year.

"I'm trying to keep myself busy riding out and trying to get on winners, which is difficult but I'm still about and can win on them when I get on them.

"I definitely won't go training but if I live as long as Kevin I'll be happy. I wouldn't dare to ask him his age but I know he is 90-odd and is fit for his age."