Place Des Vosges, centre, wins a thriller© Photo Healy Racing
In a race of changing fortunes, it was Place Des Vosges who get her head in front at the winning post in the ladies' handicap over an extended mile and a half at Tipperary.
Place Des Vosges was ridden into a narrow lead by Niamh Fahey from Millford Sound with less than a quarter of a mile to travel.
Millford Sound rallied on the inner, though to get his head back in front with 100 yards to go.
In the closing stages Place Des Vosges (9/2) battled back, but had to repel a stern challenge on the outer from the 7/2 favourite Rock On Seamie by a head. Millford Sound was half a length back in third at 15/2.
Trainer Mark Fahey said: "That's Niamh's third winner but she hasn't ridden in three years and you can see she got very tired coming up the straight!
"Niamh is my younger sister and is a great help around the place and I'd be lost without her; she'll be doing a Masters in UCD in October.
"This is a nicely bred mare and is her second win; I don't have her too long and is owned by a great bunch of people (North County Syndicate) and they're knocking great craic out of her.
"She is a big filly and can go hurdling too and it is nice to see her handling that cut in the ground."
The Stewards interviewed Miss S. Larkin, rider of Rock On Seamie, concerning her use of the whip in the latter stages of 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 Miss S. Larkin was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using her whip with excessive frequency and R10(3)(i) by failing to give her mount time to respond to the whip. Having taken her previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Miss S. Larkin for two race days.
The Stewards interviewed Miss A.B. O'Connor, rider of What Wonders Weave concerning her use of the whip in the latter stages of 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 Miss A.B. O'Connor was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using her whip with excessive frequency. Having taken her previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended Miss A.B. O'Connor for one race day.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
