Surrounding earns Group 3 crack after another Listed win

Already a Listed race scorer on the all-weather, Surrounding (5/1) managed the same this afternoon on the turf, in the Owenstown Stud Stakes at Naas.

Owner/breeder Peter Newell and trainer Michael Halford have derived much satisfaction from the achievements of the Lilbourne Lad mare and on this occasion she brought up career win number six.

Ronan Whelan won for the second time aboard the six-year-old, getting her home by a neck from Chessman

Joint-favourite King’s Field kept on for third, three lengths back.

Winner of the seven furlong heat in 2017, Texas Rock finished fourth this time.

“She’s so dependable and so honest and always runs her race. We might have been a bit lucky as we had her in at Gowran but she came in season, and if she went to Gowran she probably wouldn’t have been here. It worked out well for her," explained Halford.

“They went a good gallop, it opened up well and it’s nice to get another Listed win with her.

“She’s earned a crack at a Group 3 race at some stage. She’s so honest when things fall right for her. She loves that ground and we’ll keep going.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Settle For Bay (FR), trained by David Marnane, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Rionach (GB), trained by M.D. O'Callaghan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

David Marnane, trainer of Settle For Bay (FR), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he had no abnormalities to report, but informed them that his charge had a wind operation since its last run.

W.J. Lee, rider of Settle For Bay (FR), trained by David Marnane, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount travelled well but found nothing in the closing stages.

(AM & EM)