Avondhu Lady leads Tarla and Byerley Babe (centre) over the last© Photo Healy Racing
The concluding stages of the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Steeplechase at Naas was fought out by a couple of daughters of the late great Beneficial. They had something else in common too as they're both trained in County Cork and it was Avondhu Lady that just proved triumphant over Byerley Babe
Favourite Tarla jumped out to her right and she hadn't much left when making a mistake at the last too. Byerley Babe travelled better than Avondhu Lady but she failed by just a neck to peg her back close home.
Amazingly enough the third spot was taken by another Beneficial mare, Lead Kindly Light five and a half lengths adrift.
Successful handler David Fenton said: "She's never let us down – she's game and tough.
"I thought the two miles might be a bit sharp for her but that trip here on that ground is a test of stamina.
"They got into a battle in the straight and that's her forte.
"Tarla and Byerley Babe are two good mares and I have the two and a half miler at Fairyhouse in mind for my one now (the Grade 3 John and Chic Fowler Memorial Mares Chase in which Avondhu Lady finished second to Nadiya De La Vega last year).
"The lads (owner, Richard Flynn of the Avondhu Bar in Fermoy) were thinking about the Irish National but she's a bit small for a big field like that."
Mark Enright obviously earned plenty of plaudits for his handling of Avondhu Lady and he remarked: "She's been very good to me. I had to sit at home and watch her the last day as I was hurt and Bryan (Cooper) got the ride on her. It was great to get back on her.
"A big thanks to Richie her owner and David Fenton her trainer as they've been very good to me and keep supporting me. Hopefully they'll be more wins for us.
"Richie rings me a good bit and he told me all along when I was out that she was my ride. Fair dues he's a man of his word, he kept with me and I'm very thankful for that.
"I don't think Ruby (Walsh) had much choice as she (Tarla) seemed to be tanking a little bit but my mare just has to be ridden in her comfort zone and once she's in her comfort zone she travels away and she's a brilliant jumper. She's small but she wings fences.
"I thought turning in I'd step it up a gear as you have to get after her as she's lazy but she gives you everything. I thought then once I got by Ruby that I'd keep going.
"Jumping the last I thought Philip (Enright on Byerley Babe) might have me but once I got running at the back of it I knew I was always going to get there.
"I think they've added a new race at Punchestown this year (for mares) so there's one for her at Fairyhouse as well, meaning we'll have plenty of fun with her.
"There should be another race for her over hurdles too please God."
Reflecting on an injury interrupted campaign Enright explained: "I was four months out after fracturing three vertebrae in my back. I was then back a month to the day when I got a fall at Cork and fractured my sternum.
"I just rushed a bit to get back for Christmas when I rode for two days. I went in riding out for the boss Dessie Hughes the following morning and I knew I couldn't go any more as my shoulder was giving me grief.
"I had to sit at home for another month so there was nearly five months of the season gone at that stage.
"It was frustrating but It's great to be back with a winner."
The Stewards interviewed P.T. Enright, rider of Byerley Babe, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.4, in that he used the whip without giving his mount sufficient time to respond and having considered his record, suspended him for one race day.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Tarla (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(AM & EM)
