Banbridge trainer Sarah Dawson recorded her biggest success todate when Clare Glen edged out Jumbo Rio in a thrilling finish to the €60,000 Guinness Handicap, the feature on day five of the Galway Festival.
The five-year-old daughter of Sakhee dismissed odds of 14/1 by challenging on the outer in the straight, and finding a bit extra under pressure for Seamie Heffernan to pip Jumbo Rio (9/1) by a head. Celendine (9/1) was two and a half lengths back in third while top-weight Flowers Of Spring (13/2), who led her 15 rivals into the straight, weakened inside the final furlong to finish fourth.
Dawson said, “She just loves a battle, and is as tough as they come. I have nine in training and she's the stable-star at the moment. Obviously I would love to get her some black type.”
Alan Magee
