Speirling Beag springs 25/1 surprise in Eyrefield Stakes

Jim Bolger's Speirling Beag landed a rough renewal of the Group 3 Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown by a short head after a battle with 7/4 favourite Hiawatha

The under pressure leader Gulf Of Mexico hung off the home bend and chopped off Hiawatha who was trying to get upsides. Hippodrome and Village Voice were also pushed out and hampered in this action.

Speirling Beag saw her opportunity in the final furlong, but was soon challenged by Hiawtha who had found both room and his stride.

Hiawatha had a definite lead in the closing stages, however, Rory Cleary conjured another effort out of Speirling Beag who got up on the line.

“She was very game, she travelled easy in behind them and went to them very easily,” said Cleary.

“There was a bit of skirmishing down the inside and I probably ended up getting there too soon because of that.

“She was only doing enough when she got to the front and when Billy came to me she stuck her head out and ran to the line really well for me.

“She gets through the ground well and I'd say she's versatile when it comes to ground, she's very honest and very game.

“She stuck her head out well for me and she's a real trier, it's a pleasure to ride her.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson