Laoch Liam (noseband) is ridden to the front by Katie Walsh, with eventual third Sapphire Lady also pictured© Photo Healy Racing
Laoch Liam made it two from two in the Killarney Racegoers Club Mares Flat Race.
Successful on debut in a winners bumper at Down Royal, the Peter Fahey trained bay was sent off at 2/1 this evening (as big as 10/3 in early shows) under Katie Walsh.
Settled behind the leaders in third, she came with her challenge on the outer with over two furlongs left to race.
The five-year-old was ridden to the front over a furlong out, and kept on well in the closing stages to score by two and a half lengths. Decision Time (5/1 to 3/1 on-course) ran on well to take second under Tom Hamilton for John Kiely, while the 5/4 favourite Sapphire Lady was another length and a half back in third for Patrick and Willie Mullins.
Katie Walsh said afterwards: "She is a lovely filly and we thought she was good up in Down Royal the last day when she had a good bit of weight off her back, but was every bit as good here today and responded well."
Laoch Liam was completing a double for the Fahey family at Killarney this evening. Peter's brother Jarlath was earlier successful with Lucca
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Laoch Liam, ridden by Ms K. Walsh, placed first, Like An Open Book ridden by Mr J.M. Burke, placed fourth, Sapphire Lady, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed third and Gameasapebble ridden by Mr R.W. Barron, placed fifth. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placing's and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
