A great shot of First Dare and Maxine O'Sullivan (nearest) getting to the head of affairs© Photo Healy Racing
The Bar One Racing Ladies Handicap Hurdle saw a third market leader in as many races at Navan prevail, Maxine O'Sullivan excelling on First Dare to land the spoils.
Waited with off the gallop, the successful chestnut (3/1 joint favourite) was produced beautifully down the inner in the straight and Liz Doyle's consistent sort asserted on the run-in.
Keeping a cracking run of form for the yard going, First Dare at the line had three and a half lengths in hand over the veteran Hearts Are Trumps
"The horses are well thank God," said Miss Doyle afterwards.
"I thought she should have nearly won in Ballinrobe and could have gone very close in Kilbeggan, and lost her hind legs at the back of the last in Tramore.
"Beautiful ride, mid-division and scraped the paint. The only moment was when she was a bit long at the second. These races are so determined by the experienced riders. She made the difference anyway.
"She's a little bit tricky, so I rang Maxine a week ago and I said 'if you have nothing that is jumping off the page at you, I think I'll go close'. That's how ahead of the game you have to be.
"Great to get her head in front.
"She is 15.2 and I put a syndicate into her that wanted to lease something. You wouldn't be brave enough to waste an entry fee on her going to the sales that height, she's so small.
"This is her game, but a little Flat race might not be beyond her somewhere along the line. We might wait until next year, we'll see."
On her stable form, she added: "Healthy horses.
"My horses were rotten sick and I think I was badly affected by rapeseed in May. Some lovely bumper horses ran appallingly and then just couldn't get them right.
"We appreciate it, it is hard to get winners."
The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. H.T. Hynes, that Ms. C.L. McGoldrick, intended rider of Walhaan, was reported to be having transport issues and would not be fulfilling her riding engagement which was confirmed by Ciaran Murphy, trainer of Walhaan. Having considered the matter the raceday Stewards were satisfied that Ms. C. L. McGoldrick was in breach of Rule 198(v) and fined her €200 in her absence. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards allowed the withdrawal of Walhaan at the request of the trainer, as he was unable to find a suitable replacement for Ms. McGoldrick owing to the conditions of the race.
(MG & EM)
