Ardla and Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
The Swordlestown (C&G) Flat Race went to 8/1 chance Ardla in the hands of Patrick Mullins.
Short of room behind the leaders early in the straight, the Delegator 5-year-old was switched right over a furlong out and powered home to pass several rivals and score by two and a quarter lengths from long-time leader Knockmoylan (13/2). Summer Tide was third with the 9/4 favourite Ballymoney green and off the bridle a fair way out, in fourth place.
It was a rare bumper runner for winning trainer Michael Halford who said: “I’m thrilled for his owner Fiona Wentges. She’s been a long time friend of ours and worked for the late Anthony Powell and then came and worked for us.
“He’s a big raw horse but has always showed a bit of pace and a good attitude at home. It’s been that long since we had a bumper horse that I didn’t know what to expect but we started off by getting the right man so that was a help.
“In fairness Jamie Codd rode him in a bit of work about a month ago and told me he liked him.
“He showed us a bit of pace and we weren’t too sure whether he would stay or not. When we stretched him out and brought him away to the Curragh it looked like all he’d do was gallop.
“He’s a work in progress and I’d say there is a lot to come from him. When he was able to do that with all we have done with him he has to be smart enough.
“He’ll go for a winners bumper and we’ll see what happens.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
