Spare Brakes in top gear

Donie McInerney continues to gain admirers and he again impressed with his handling of a winner, Spare Brakes (11/2 into 9/2), in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.

In truth Spare Brakes, owned by Mary Tyner and trained by her husband Robert, made things easy for the young Limerick pilot.

The attractive Westerner gelding cruised through to chase English raider Newstart in the straight.

Shedding his maiden tag here at the ninth attempt, Spare Brakes led before the last on his way to a comfortable three and three parts of a length win.

"He only barely gets two miles but won very nicely and seemed to handle that ground well," said Tyner. 

"Donie worked for me for a couple of years and in fairness to him he has come a long way. He was a nice obliging lad and good around the yard but fair play to Enda (Bolger, his new employer) he has taken him on the next step. Enda did a lot of work with him and built him up with confidence.

"He gave him a very patient ride; I told him to take his time and it played into his hands as they went extra fast in front."

Patrick G.Kelly, trainer of Spot The Pro reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge burst blood vessels.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Spot The Pro, trained by Patrick G.Kelly, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have an exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage post race.

(TW & EM)