Crafty Madam gains important win in valuable fillies handicap

There was a great conclusion to the Finlay Volvo Cars Summer Fillies Handicap at the Curragh with Crafty Madam touching off Surrounding

Crafty Madam was ridden by Niall McCullagh for the Ken Condon yard whilst Michael Halford and Ronan Whelan were bidding for a double with Surrounding.

The 8/1 victor didn't get a clear run two furlongs out but she was still able to just outpoint Surrounding, who had led over a furlong out.

“On first impression I thought we were just chinned. I was about to shake hands with Mick Halford and congratulate him,” said Condon.

“She's owned by Con Harrington, who used to be our landlord, and he's a good supporter. He's over from London for the day and he's delighted as she's a filly with a big pedigree.

“She's a half-sister to Profitable so she's a very important filly for the breeding shed going forward.

“We've a little bit to go in the ratings but we'll try for a bit of black-type along the way. That's a great pot to win and we're delighted to win on Derby weekend.

“Niall is riding with great confidence. He rides work for us and has always been a very good rider, he's a classic winning rider. With 8-4 he was always going to ride her. He's given her some ride.

“She had a lovely run for us at Leopardstown. Billy (Lee) rode her to get a feel and see where she'd fall in because she wouldn't be working savage or anything.

“She met a bit of traffic and ran on very well. She's obviously come forward from there.

“I felt we might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb and go for the big prize-money. After Leopardstown I said we'd keep her for this.

“I was just a little worried that the ground was getting a bit tight for her, and drying out, but Niall said we got away with it.”

On Romanised (4th at Royal Ascot), Condon said: "He ran a super race. He did everything right and the splits just didn't come for him. Billy (Lee) was delighted with him.

“He came out of the race well and we'll probably go back to Deauville for the Jacques Le Marois over the straight course. Goodwood mightn't just suit him.”

The Stewards enquired into an incident approximately 250 yards from the finish involving Crotchet (GB), ridden by D. O'Brien, unplaced, Thiswaycadeaux ridden by N.M. Crosse, unplaced and Silver Service ridden by A.J. Slattery, unplaced. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was accidental and took no further action.

D. O'Brien, rider of Crotchet (GB) trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount received a bump from behind in the closing stages.

(GC & EM)