'Proper mare' Dorans Weir scores for Hourigan

Dorans Weir built upon an encouraging hurdle debut in Thurles to readily deliver in the first division of the mares' bumper at the same venue.

Michael Hourigan 's Fame And Glory mare was fifth in a big field maiden hurdle last month and was nowhere near that price today.

She reverted to a bumper and travelled smoothly for Pat Taaffe as she closed in the final two furlongs. Taaffe sent the 4/1 shot on approaching the final furlong and she was tough in asserting by three and a quarter lengths at the winning post. Burn The Evidence the 13/8 favourite, couldn't go with her and had to settle for second, in front of Reine Machine (85/40).

Hourigan said: "She is a nice one to have and is a well-bred mare as well. She is very honest, did it well and he said she was very green. She jumps well and we got the bonus (to win a bumper) today.

"I had a lot of luck for Tom (Doran, owner) and it is great to have him back and great for her to win.

"This is a proper mare."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes