"Close call" and Lalor delivers

The Lalor family recently enjoyed a huge success when Minella Indo, bred at their Lisronagh County Tipperary base, won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Today multiple point-to-point champion lady rider Liz won the McCauley Pharmacy Ladies National Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse aboard Ificudiwud (14/1).

Eventual runner-up Young Dev threatened big danger to the Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Noel Meade-trained Ificudiwud in the straight.

However, gamely after being up on the pace in his first time cheek-pieces, the successful Trans Island gelding saw it out by a length and a half.

“It was a close call as I said to Eddie (O'Leary) at 9.50am that I couldn't get anyone to ride him and we'd be better not running him,” said Meade.

“Suddenly it dawned on me to try Liz, who had rode in a few bumpers for me. She said she was supposed to be riding for Colin Motherway and only rang back at 9.57am to say she could ride.

“He was fresh and he jumped great for her. He's a funny horse as he doesn't like it fast and doesn't like it soft.

“She said even when he went into a softish patch she could feel him coming back underneath her.

“He's had an easy time because the ground was heavy and it worked out well.”

The Stewards requested a report from Noel Meade, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Ificudiwud, placed first, as compared with its previous run when pulled up at Naas on 31st January.

Noel Meade reported that his charge did not handle the very soft ground conditions at Naas and contributing factors to today's successful run included the application of cheek pieces, the step up in trip to three miles and the better underfoot conditions.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

Miss S. Ahern, rider of Chosen Hour trained by Sean Aherne, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount was pulled up before the third last fence after the saddle had slipped in running.

(GC & EM)