Saga proves too good for odds-on Run

The James Barrett trained Saga Sprint over turned the odds-on favourite Palavicini Run in the opener at Fairyhouse, the Fairyhouse Welcomes Competitors Of The Tattersalls International Horse Trials Claiming Race.

Available at 4/1 last night, the winning daughter of Excellent Art proved friendless with punters, opening on-course at 7's before going off an 8/1 chance.

Settled towards rear by Daniel Redmond, she made progress on the outer as they approached the straight.

She was ridden from two furlongs out, and it took a while for her to respond, as she got going to lead inside the final furlong, staying on well to score by three and a quarter lengths.

The 4/9 favourite (from 4/7 on-course) Palavicini Run, who was prominent throughout, looked set to score over a furlong out, but she tired inside the final furlong, and had to settle for second under Colm O’Donogue for Jessica Harrington.

James Barrett said afterwards: "She hated the ground. I guessed that coming up but she was here so we let her run.

"She'll be sold now. She's a nice filly and I think she can win a big handicap later in the year on soft ground.

"She's a lovely honest filly and I think she has a future."

After the race Jimmy Finn claimed Saga Sprint for E24,000, while Philip Byrne claimed Palavicini Run for E15,000.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Power Grid trained by John James Feane, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have burst a blood vessel.

Gary Paul Halpin, rider of Power Grid trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel during this race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson