Surrounding (noseband) © Photo Healy Racing
There was a poignant success for redoubtable mare Surrounding in the Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes.
The nine-year-old, successful in this Listed contest three years ago, was held up early on by Ronan Whelan before improving into fifth at halfway. She launched her challenge in the straight and kept on gamely to head Emilie Gray close home. A neck was the winning margin with Nectaris another half a length away in third.
It was an eleventh win from 44 starts for Peter Newell's grand performer but winning trainer Michael Halford reported that it was a triumph tinged with sadness.
“She's amazing. Her enthusiasm for it and her soundness is incredible,” said Halford.
“We've been having a very quiet year, the horses are healthy but we just didn't have that many.
“When I looked at the race, and she was drawn four, I thought she'd run her usual good race.
“Her owner unfortunately passed away during the night and I'd say she got a bit of help from somewhere.
“With the jockey getting a fall she got carried wide by the loose horse. I thought she was beat when Dermot's filly shot up the rail but she rallied again.
“Ronan gave her a great ride and she's all heart. I hope it helps lift the spirits of the Newell family a bit because Peter was a great supporter of ours and she's the best animal they bred in all their years breeding.
“She's very special to them and we'll have to mind her and put her first at all times.
“She had a great run the last day in Fairyhouse when the ground was probably a little bit faster than ideal for her.
“I thought the stiffer track would suit her. She's won here before and loves that hill, she just takes it on and is so game.
“It wasn't the biggest surprise in the world but when you're having the season we are having you need something just to change your luck.
“She's just incredible. We brought her back this year and they just said to me to see if I was happy with her.
“She was showing me all the right vibes at home. I ran her in Gowran, she finished fourth and showed she still wanted to do it.
“We said we'd pick a couple of races and thank God it worked out.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
