Michael Halford was singing the praises of Tadhg O'Shea once again after the twice champion apprentice got Conspiring back up on the line in an exciting finish to the seven furlongs maiden. The American-bred filly made most of the running, and rallied under pressure inside the final furlong to deny Certainly Brave by a short-head.
'The last two winters in Dubai have done a great job on Tadhg, and he has not stopped improving at any stage. It wasn't the plan to make the running but she jumped fast from the stalls on the inside, and he decided to stay there to keep a position on the rails. We will try to get her some black type later this season,' said Halford, who added, 'She is owned by Shane Ryan's Kilboy Estate, and his Jakester will go for the Britannia Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot on Thursday.'
Birchall justified favouritism in the apprentice handicap, with Davy Condon looking around for dangers two furlongs out before needing to get down to serious work in the closing stages to peg back Tribal Princess. 'The extra two furlongs suited, and we will give him a short break before going for another handicap. He was very disappointing over hurdles last year but is a big horse and we'll try again,' said trainer Francis Flood.
The Roscommon stewards, who controversially disqualified Rapid Ransom here on Sunday, were again called into action after the three miles handicap hurdle. Rocking Ship drifted left after the last and bumped Black Isle before going on to beat that rival by a length and a half, but this time the stewards decided that the interference had not affected the result and the placings remained unaltered. However winning rider Joey Elliott was found guilty of careless riding and suspended for two days.
John Bowles sent out his third winner since moving stables 'just down the road' six weeks ago when Willyever overcame a slow start to land the seven furlongs handicap. Fran Berry's mount came through the field to lead over a furlong out for a length verdict over Euro Friendly.
Templeglantine has been retired to the paddocks after staying on gamely for Garrett Cotter to overhaul Yayo close home in the three miles handicap chase. 'She is a well-bred mare being a half-sister to Takagi, and is in foal to Rudimentary,' said trainer Tom Cooper.
You Little Daisy was confidently ridden by Conor O'Dwyer in the maiden hurdle, jumping past market-rival Toutankhamon at the final flight before being driven out to score by a length.
Alan Magee
