Ryan's claim down to 5lb after Fairyhouse winner

James Ryan rode out his 7lb claim when partnering 7/2 favourite Plume Noire to victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.

Trained by Brian Duffy for his father Frank, the daughter of Harzand picked up well on the far rail when getting racing room a furlong out and gained a narrow lead close home to beat All Lies Ahead by a neck. 

“I needed a bit of luck and thank God I got it. I felt I had enough horse, when I got the gap, to go through it and go on and win it. I got the gaps at the right time and I'm delighted,” said Ryan. 

“I was checking my options, I had nowhere to go on the outside as Ben (Coen, on Artemis Jones was still there just in front of me. I had to bide my time and once we hit the furlong pole Red Heel (third) started hanging left. My eye lit up and I said 'that'll do'. She did it well in fairness. 

“Her whole family wanted an ease in the ground. She got away with that ground but I'd say she'll have no bother handling softer. Ground is key to her.”

It was a third win from just 11 starts for Plume Noire and winner number 30 for Ryan.

Quotes from Gary Carson