Pet swoops late in a thrilling finale

Missyspet capped off an unbelievable fortnight for Kilkenny trainer Michelle Gannon when getting up on the line to take the mares bumper at Clonmel.

It was just reward for the daughter of Westerner who was herself touched off by Carrigmoorna Rock at Wexford on St Patrick’s Day, while Gannon also became a mother for the first time just 12 days ago when giving birth to her son James. Oneforlill set the pace under Barry O’Neill and the well-supported 15/8 favourite looked set to score despite Missyspet throwing down a determined challenge in the straight.

However Richie Kiely’s mount stayed on really gamely in the closing stages and just got up on the line at odds of 11/4. Oscar'swan was five lengths back in third.

Likely favourite Autumn Shades, who won her only point-to-point start in good style, was an absentee due to a passport irregularity.

Ms Gannon said, “It’s her third time being in a photo and the first time she’s come out ahead. At long last!

“I’m on the hot trainers list here as my strike rate is now 50% (two winners from four runners in the past five years) which is better than Willie Mullins! She will go for a winners bumper.

“I know I’m sounding a bit like Ted Walsh when I say this but I rode her mother to win a bumper and she beat Bluesea Cracker!”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes