Delias Pet jumps the last under David Doyle© Photo Healy Racing
Delias Pet provided Tim Doyle with his fourth success in the space of nine days, as she got the better of Ballagh Star in the second divide of the Galway Handicap Hurdle.
Ridden by Doyle's son David, who was recording his first success over flights, the Stowaway eight-year-old was sent off a 6/1 chance after finishing fourth on recent outings at Limerick and Ballinrobe respectively.
Given a patient ride, the 82-rated victor made good progress from three out and while not fluent at the next, she soon went second.
While she gained a narrow lead on the approach to the last, she was soon re-joined by long-time leader Ballagh Star and after a good battle on the run-in, just a neck separated them at the line.
Trained locally by Yvonne Dunleavy, the runner-up was returned a well-supported 13/2 (from 16s) under Shane Fitzgerald, while Getaway Master (8/1) and Nuttorridge (5/1jf) were five-and-a-half and eight lengths back in third and fourth respectively.
The other joint-favourite was Amazing Amy and she finished sixth in this 17-runner affair.
Owned and bred by his wife Claire, the winning handler said in the aftermath: "She is the most frustrating mare and I thought she'd have races won long ago. Even today she idled when she got to the front.
"She has loads of ability but had lost her confidence completely and any little thing would put her off. This summer she has gradually built back.
"She is a big mare and mentally as well as physically she was backward. I thought the ground would beat us as her best form is on good.
"David was good as she wasn't straightforward and he held her together - that's his first winner over jumps. He has gone into Leaving Cert year and we have a few for him to tip away with on half-days."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Ballagh Star, ridden by S. Fitzgerald, placed second, and Delias Pet, ridden by Mr D. Doyle, placed first, where it appeared that contact was made. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
