Meade unearths Star in bumper

The Noel Meade-trained She's A Star powered clear inside the final furlong to make an impressive winning debut in the concluding four-year-old bumper at Down Royal this afternoon.

Nina Carberry settled her mount towards the rear in the early stages of the two-mile contest before taking closer order two furlongs out.

The well backed 13/8 favourite (5/2 this morning) was driven into the lead a furlong out and ran on strongly in the closing stages to post a five-length victory over the running-on Sanibel Island

"I was hopeful enough but she is a bit small and weak and I thought the ground might catch her out,” said Meade.

"Nina gave her a brilliant ride, she kind of stole it. We'll probably look at a winners' bumper and leave her off for the summer."

The winning owner Philip Meade, no relation to the trainer, is from the next parish to the Navan handler and owns Meade Potato Company, who supply supermarkets.

The winner was unsold at €1,000 when going through the sales ring as yearling. Her dam was placed over hurdles and she is out of a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Alexander Taipan.

On Road To Riches, Meade added: "He's in great shape. Touch wood he gets there (on Saturday) in that form.

"Bryan (Cooper) came in with a broad smile on Sunday. I was happy with him but he was doubly happy."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)