Surrounding and Ronan Whelan (left) win the Listed Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Fillies Stakes© Photo Healy Racing
Well-backed favourite Surrounding (2/1) ran out a popular winner of the Listed Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes at Galway.
Ronan Whelan was again in the plate for owner/breeder Peter Newell, and trainer Michael Halford, after winning three previously on the daughter of Lilbourne Lad.
She hit a high in the Group Three Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse last time, also under Whelan.
The six-year-old had to concede weight away all round as a result, but that proved no barrier to success for Surrounding. Titanium Sky and Black Magic Woman got closest, half a length and the same adrift in second and third, but Surrounding wasn’t for beating.
She was never far away before heading for home from a furlong and a half out.
Pressed well inside the final furlong the admirable mare found enough to get it done.
"She is really genuine and she has done well there to carry a 5lbs penalty up the hill so I'm delighted with her," said Halford.
"She's doing great all year and she's enjoying her racing and I think it gives them great confidence when they are winning.
"She trains herself and there is no training in her, I just keep her fresh and well. It is a great place to win a race and particularly a Listed race.
"Ronan is a great asset to us, keeps everything so simple and takes a lot of pressure off us."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cava trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame behind post race.
D. O'Brien, rider of Cava trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost her action at the top of the hill.
(TW & EM)
