Eaglewood is ridden out by Cal Shine© Photo Healy Racing
Eaglewood reversed Listowel form with three of her rivals, as she sprang a massive surprise in the concluding Tipperary Fillies INH 4YO Flat Race.
Ninth on debut at the Co Kerry venue, the Lenny Flynn-trained 150/1 chance was never far from the pace under Cal Shine.
Improving to lead on the approach to the straight, the Rebecca May-owned grey was ridden a furlong-and-a-half from home, keeping on well from there to hold off the effort of Pure Logic (5/2f from 4s) by half-a-length.
The runner-up, who was second in the aforementioned Listowel contest, was given an unorthodox ride on the outer by Patrick Mullins, and was closing on the winner all the way to the line.
Sent off an easy-to-back 10/3 chance (from 15/8), point-to-point victor The Great Nudie was another two-lengths away in third under Bertie Finn.
"She ran on soft ground and probably didn’t act on it," Shine, who was recording his second winner of the week at Tipperary, commented.
"We changed tactics today and I rode her good and handy. She travelled everywhere, even a bit too much in my hands early on but she galloped to the line.
"She's a good mare with a great pedigree and with a trip going forward, she'll improve plenty."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards received a request from Richard John O'Brien, trainer of Quite Spicy to substitute the nominated rider Mr R.W. Barron (5), with Mr B. Hamilton, due to the declared rider standing himself down owing to illness. The trainer accepted that the nominated rider was not a claimer but in the circumstances he was unable to secure the services of any other suitable rider for his charge. Having considered the request, the Raceday Stewards allowed the request on this occasion in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 3 as they were satisfied that the request was a valid one.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
