Queally winner Long Gone as bumper rivals give chase in vain

Long Gone who had made a very promising racecourse debut when third over hurdles, switched back to bumper company to land the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares INH Flat Race at Limerick.

Wearing a first-time hood, the daughter of Getaway settled much better on this occasion, tracking the pace, as Aine O'Connor set the fractions on Florance

Running down into the dip before the home straight, it appeared for a time as though the leader would prevail, as most of the opposition, including Long Gone, were off the bridle in behind.

However, having proven her stamina over an additional half-mile on debut, the further she went, the stronger the Queally mare became.

Leading over a furlong out, the 10/3 chance stayed on strongly to open up and put eight-and-a-half lengths between herself and the late finisher Former Flame

Winning jockey Declan Queally said: "I got in contact with Gilmer (Bates, owner) through Jonathan Birkmore and Danny Fitzsimmons in the north who have horses with me, and I had success selling horses with Jonathan.

"We had this mare entered at a sale last week but felt we might be 'penalised' for not having gone for a bumper so I said to Gilmer that he would be mad to sell her. Her work since Wexford had been brilliant.

"She is a smart mare, probably does a bit more on the track than at home and we'll give her a chance now and see what Gilmer wants to do."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.