Surrounding (Ronan Whelan nearside) just beat Bay Of Skaill (Andrew Slattery)© Photo Healy Racing
"She's game and it was a good effort with a big weight," said trainer Michael Halford after his Surrounding just prevailed under Ronan Whelan in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap at Dundalk.
This was a commendable effort on the part of the 15/8 favourite (from 5/2) as she short-headed Bay Of Skaill (carried seven stone eleven).
"It was a nice race, she loves the surface, and we'll bring her back later in the month for the Listed Cooley Stakes," further explained Halford.
"Her Leopardstown run was good but you're still always worried there might be one and it's tough when you've that much weight.
"Ronan gave her a great ride and it's good to get her back a winner.
"The Newells bred her so it would mean a lot obviously to get a bit of black-type with her. She's entitled to have a crack at it now.
"She handles the surface really well around here. Seven is her minimum now and she'll be better going the mile."
A.J. Slattery, rider of Bay Of Skaill (GB) trained by Joseph G. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung to the right throughout this race.
(GC & EM)
