Micras (right) and Lake Field get close on the run-in© Photo Healy Racing
Ruby Walsh has a good record when teaming up with trainer Pat Fahy, and the combination clicked again as Micras opened her jumping account in the Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.
The four-year-old filly, successful on the flat at Bath last year for her owner/breeder Queen Elizabeth, was sent off an easy-to-back 6/1 chance in this 80-95 rated event as Lake Field proved a popular order.
The 2/1 favourite, as big as 13/2 earlier in the day and supported on track from 100/30, proved the chief threat and Barry Geraghty's mount held a slight advantage over the last.
The pair bumped a few times on the run-in before Micras eventually prevailed by half a length, and it was no surprise when a stewards enquiry was called soon after the two-mile event.
However with both of the principals moving off a straight line, the stewards decided to leave the placings unaltered.
Walsh was completing a double on the afternoon having won earlier aboard the impressive Myska
Fahy said, ""I'm delighted with that as she has improved for us and we sweetened her up by stopping working her.
"We'll tip away with her and go for something similar next. We'll keep going as she upgrades in handicaps, and she handled the soft ground there. She'd handle softer and is a lovely filly."
(TW & AM)
