Fancy Footings leads them home under Donnacha O'Brien© Photo Healy Racing
On his third start for Joseph O’Brien Fancy Footings brought up a double for the Piltown trainer, and his brother Donnacha, in the Stagefright Play Live On 13th July Handicap at Limerick.
Earlier on the mark with Syrena the brace was completed for the O’Briens as Fancy Footings won his first race at the sixth attempt.
Both the second, Travelwise and third, Cyrus Dallin were eye-catching, but on the day 3/1 favourite Fancy Footings proved half a length and a length and a half superior.
A second winner on the card for Ballyhane Stud stallion Dandy Man, following on from Croughavouke in the opener, Fancy Footings' performance prompted stable representative Brendan Powell to say: "He only just got the mile and it was an ordinary race.
"He'd be good enough over seven. When he quickened a furlong out he found a length and that's what won him the race.
"It's nice for him to win and it's great for the guys (Arion Racing Club and Andrew and Gemma Brown) who own him as it's their first horse with us."
N.M. Crosse, rider of Anthonysoprano trained by Kieran P. Cotter, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left throughout.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Fancy Footings, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed first and Havana Breeze ridden by W.J. Lee, placed fifth, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action. Mr. Edward Irwin, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry.
(TW & EM)