Tune gets off mark on third start for McNiff

Res Ipsa Loquitor proved a very disappointing favourite in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle as Pennys Tune ran out a convincing winner under Derek Fox for on just her third start for trainer Mark McNiff.

The seven-year-old daughter of Montjeu finished second on her last two outings over the course and at Sligo and she was sent off an 11/2 chance to finally make the breakthrough this afternoon (her twenty-fifth career start).

Fitted with a tongue strap for the first time (also wearing cheekpieces) she raced mainly in third, improving into second before three out.

She went to the front soon after that flight and was a couple of lengths clear before two out, asserting under pressure on the run-in to score comfortably by four and a half lengths. Point The Toes finished second at 8/1 under Shane Butler for Mark Fahey, while the aforementioned Res Ipsa Loquitor (3/1 last night and backed from 2/1 into 15/8 clear favouritism at the off) finished last of the seven runners under Andrew Ring for Johnny Levins. Ennisnag who was 20/1 last night, was backed from 12’s into 13/2 on-course but she too disappointed under Jonathon Burke for Noel Dooly, finishing a well-beaten fifth.

Mark McNiff said afterwards: "On her first run for me she ran well in a race here last time won by a horse that was better than the type of race.

"You've to talk nice to her! I thought if she repeated that run she would have a chance.

"She'll maybe got to Tramore as she doesn't like the stalls or there's a Sligo mares winners race or another race back here next time."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the back straight involving Hilden (GB), ridden by D.J. Condon, and Res Ipsa Loquitur ridden by A. Ring, where it appeared Hilden (GB) ran short of room on the rail and was forced to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards deemed any interference to have been accidental and took no further action.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Hilden (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

D.J. Condon, rider of Hilden (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham