Comfortable success for 'improving' Stormalong Stormalong justified 11/4 favouritism as she comfortably accounted for nine rivals in the Derrinlaur Mares Handicap Hurdle. Ending a lengthy losing streak at Tramore in August, the Ken Budds-trained six-year-old finished third in two starts since, going down narrowly when last seen at Listowel. Back up in trip to two and a half miles this afternoon, the market leader raced in mid-division under John Shinnick, with Evening's Empire soon establishing a healthy advantage at the head of affairs. The complexion of the race changed when the front-runner ran out going by the entrance to the parade ring, with the eventual winner improving to the front on the approach to the straight. Owned by Barbara Kirby Coleman and her husband Ed, she readily increased her advantage before the final flight and a brilliant jump there sealed the deal. The Gordon Elliott-trained Wudya (8/1) was six-lengths back in second, while Cruisin Susan (17/2) was another two and three quarters of a length away in third. "They didn't go quick enough at Listowel when she got caught back and wide so she had to do it the hard way, and after the line she was in front. She had top weight today but she stays and is improving," Budds remarked. "She finished second in this race last year but the ground had gone soft. She has got her ground plenty of times this year and will go chasing next year. "If the ground goes, we will let her off but I wouldn't rule out going to Dundalk as she ran well in a recent Flat race and isn't slow." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the last hurdle involving Wudya, ridden by D.J Gilligan, placed second, Cruisin Susan, ridden by Mr J.P. Berry, placed third, and Maid On The Moon (GB), ridden by Ms H. Phillips, placed fourth, where it appeared the three horses came close together. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lucky Viv, trained by Michael Barry, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * The Raceday Stewards advised Eddie & Patrick Harty, trainer of Evening's Empire, that a repeat performance from their charge, who ran out out and unseated the rider, may render the animal liable to a suspension in the future. * M.P. O'Connor, rider of Lucky Viv, trained by Michael Barry, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled and pulled up. * R.A. Doyle, rider of Evening's Empire, trained by Eddie & Patrick Harty, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left, jumped left and ran out. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
