A beaming Josh Halford after partnering his winner© Photo Healy Racing
Tarnova provided Josh Halford with a memorable first success in the concluding Pubs Of Kildare Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race.
Trained in partnership by Tracey Collins and Halford's father Mick, the Olympic Glory four-year-old won a barrier trial at Dundalk in 2021 when in the care of Johnny Murtagh.
Making her racecourse debut this afternoon, the Julie White-owned bay was sent off an easy-to-back 40/1 chance (18/1 early).
Settled towards rear, she made good headway on the outer from the four-furlong pole and was forced wide early in the straight.
Ridden in fifth with over a furlong to go, she stayed on powerfully and led inside the final 150 yards, going on to score comfortably by three-and-three-parts of a length.
Returned at 10/3, Royal Hollow had to settle for the runner-up spot under Adam Ryan for Andy Slattery, while Wild Mandate (11/1 from 33s) was just a neck away in third.
A well-backed favourite at 3/1 (from 8s early), The Twelve Pins attempted to make all, but faded when headed in the straight and eventually finished fifth under Charlie Mullins for his uncle Willie.
"Johnny had her as a two-year-old and she won a barrier trial in Dundalk. She then had a setback and Julie (White) bought her at the sales," Halford explained.
"She sent her to us early in the spring and she still needed a bit of time.
"We were thinking of the Flat with her but she's very relaxed in her work and the more I saw of her I wondered should we start her off in a bumper as she's from a stamina laden family.
"I'm thrilled for Julie and want to thank her for letting Josh ride her.
"This is better than riding or training any horse - I'm so proud of Josh. The two of them riding in the race today was very special (Tommy Halford rode Lady Danu who finished 13th).
"Josh is up in Gordon Elliott's and he's done his leaving cert. He's very dedicated and that will spur him on. It's been a great day."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Mr A.P. Ryan, rider of Royal Hollow, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right for the last three furlongs.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
