Summer Snow pictured with connections after her win© Photo Healy Racing
Summer Snow came from last to first, as she made the breakthrough on her ninth start in the Blackwater Apprentice Handicap.
Beaten by just a short head at Gowran in October, the Ross O'Sullivan-trained El Kabeir grey finished down the field on her return to action at the Co Kilkenny venue last month.
Sent off a 9/1 chance this evening (touched 20s early), she raced in rear on the nearside under Jake Coen, drifting across the track after halfway.
Short of room from the two furlong pole, she was soon switched further to her right. Ridden over a furlong from home, she surged to the front inside the final 100 yards, keeping on strongly to score by a length in the colours of the Team Giddy Up Racing Club.
The Jessica Harrington-trained Angel's Feather (16/1) finished second under Scott McCullagh, while Rumbled Again (12/1) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third.
Returned the 5/2 favourite, Golden Spangle finished fifth.
"It's great to give the syndicate their first winner," said O'Sullivan.
"It was set up by the former Galway manager, Anthony Cunningham. He put it together with GAA referee Brian Gavin.
"They decided to set up their own racing syndicate and this is a great start for them with their first horse on just her second run for them.
"They hope to expand and have another one in the pipeline. Hopefully this filly can give them a bit of craic for the summer.
"The syndicate has a GAA slant and the members are spread across the country."
"She picked up really well. Ross said to take our time," Coen added.
"The run the last day got her ready, I was very happy with her.
"She handled the ground well. I was told to get there late and probably got there a little bit too early but she won convincingly so I was happy."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident approaching the final furlong involving Distillate (GB), ridden by Adam Caffrey, unplaced, and Angel's Feather, ridden by S.T. McCullagh, placed second, where it appeared they made contact. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Adam Caffrey stated that he received some pressure from his left approaching the final furlong. S.T. McCullagh stated that it was his filly's first run in a handicap and that she rolled around under pressure. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found that S.T. McCullagh in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two Racedays.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed J.M. Sheridan, rider of Rumbled Again, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. J. M. Sheridan accepted he was in breach of R10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found J. M. Sheridan in breach of of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and considering his record in this regard they cautioned him on this occasion.
L.T. McAteer, rider of Golden Spangle, trained by J. S. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away.
J. Kearney, rider of Net A Porter Queen trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran away on the way to the start.
C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Flotus Radiance trained by Paul Power, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away and hung right up the straight.
S.T. McCullagh, rider of Angel's Feather, trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount rolled right under preccure.
Amy Jo Hayes, rider of Perfectlikethemoon trained by Miss Evanna McCutcheon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount made a noise a furlong out.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the final furlong involving Coco Hill ridden by P.A. Harnett, unplaced, Flotus Radiance, ridden by C. Stone-Walsh, unplaced, and Inthepoorhouse ridden by O. McSweeney, unplaced, where it appeared Flotus Radiance and Inthepoorhouse made contact. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P.A. Hartnett stated that he kept straight and was unaware of any incident. O. McSweeney stated that he moved left to take off heels and got pressure from his left. C. Stone-Walsh stated that he was running on when he received pressure from his right. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and therefore took no further action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
