Sylkie smooth from Keane as Howard filly comes from last to first

Sylkie came from last to first under an ice cool Colin Keane ride, as she registered her second course and distance success at Galway in the James P Cunningham Electrical Handicap.

Springing at 28/1 surprise at the festival last month, the Danny Howard-trained chestnut since finished fourth of six at Tramore, going down by a little over a length-and-a-quarter.

Supported from 7/1 into 7/2 favouritism this evening, the 62-rated victor was settled in rear by Keane, making good progress on the outer approaching the straight.

Ridden in pursuit of the leader inside the final furlong, she edged to the front with less than 50 yards to go and was three-quarters of a length to the good at the line.

The Adrian McGuinness-trained Eddie G (5/1) was the one just denied, with the front pair drawing three-and a quarter lengths clear of Positive Energy (9/2) in third.

"I thought the ground might have dried out too much but I met Rory Cleary (previous winning jockey), who couldn't ride her, and he said not to worry as it wouldn't be a problem. Colin gave her a super ride today," Howard reflected.

"She was bought out of a claimer for E10,000 and you couldn't ask for better. There are a good few local lads involved, some from Dublin and John Boland, who organised the syndicate, is out on holidays but I'm sure he'll be delighted."

He added: "We've only ever had a few Flat runners and have five horses in training. We train on the beach, have our own little gallop at home as well and we're open to taking more horses."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Victor's Choice ridden by R. Whearty, unplaced, Madame Plaintiff ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed sixth, and Purple Sky ridden by R.P. Cleary, placed fifth, where it appeared it got tight for room momentarily. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R.P Cleary stated the horse in front of him was coming back and he took a precautionary check. R. Whearty stated that he received minor interference. G.F. Carroll stated that his mount was rolling around underneath him but made every effort to keep her straight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes