A surprise Tale in the finale A 20/1 shot led home twelve and fourteen to one chances in the concluding Ireland v England Stablestaff Soccer International Handicap as Conor Hoban's mount Traveller's Tales held off Teajaybe by a neck with four and a quarter lengths back to the third-placed Buccaneer Bob at Dundalk. Bred by the Queen and previously a winner at Salisbury in May 2012 in the royal colours when under the care of Richard Hannon, the victorious Cape Cross filly led here two furlongs out before holding on at the finish. Pat Martin trains Traveller's Tales for Gervin Creaner and John Kirby and the County Meath-based trainer stated: "She's run a lot of good races and we always thought she could do this. "It's nice that it's all come together. "Conor gave her a lovely ride. Her last run wasn't the best but she'd been on the go a good while so we gave her a break and freshened her up." The Stewards requested a report from Patrick Martin, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Traveller's Tales (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Patrick Martin reported that this filly missed the break at the Curragh and was unable to make a challenge. He added that in his opinion the race at the Curragh was a better class of race compared with tonights contest and also stronger handling may have contributed to this success. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report. (GC & EM)
