Leviosa (Oisin Orr) beats Crystal Pool (Dylan Browne McMonagle)© Photo Healy Racing
Formerly with Alan Fleming and Leanne Breen Leviosa struck on her second outing for Seamus Fahey to register a 33/1 surprise in division one of the Leighlinbridge Handicap at Gowran.
Oisin Orr took the reins on the 55-rated daughter of Anjaal for the first time, and he certainly got a good tune from the Fahey runner.
Fahey also had Euroclydon (finished 8th) in the mix, and his brother Peter ran Ballykelly Venture (6th).
Up front though and Leviosa disputed the lead early, and she was headed after three furlongs.
Niggled along in fourth at the halfway stage, Leviosa was ridden to go second two furlongs out.
Making headway to lead a furlong out, the winner stayed on well under pressure in the final furlong to beat favourite Crystal Pool by a length.
“On their homework the other lady should have been in front of her but she just missed the break,” said Fahey.
“We were delighted with that, the missus (wife, Bernadette) owns her and we're 47 years married today so that's a present for her!
“The way she won she'll probably go for something similar again. Whether or not we jump a hurdle with her we'll see.
“I'd say there is another one for her anyway. She showed a good attitude and she should improve off it as we haven't got her long.”
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sideshow Bob trained by Ms. Sheila Lavery, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have some skin abrasions on its left hind but to be otherwise post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Power Of Lazarus trained by Ciaran Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Ciaran Murphy, trainer, reported that Power Of Lazarus had made an abnormal respiratory noise in running.
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Euroclydon, ridden by Sam Ewing, unplaced and Sideshow Bob, ridden by R.C. Colgan, unplaced, where it appeared that Sideshow Bob had to check. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Sam Ewing stated that there was a gap and enough room for him. R. C. Colgan stated that he was going backwards and the incident did not affect him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were prepared to give Sam Ewing the benefit of the doubt on this occasion but reminded him to ride with more awareness in the future. Sam Ewing was accompanied at this enquiry by Mrs. Elaine O'Farrell.
R.C. Colgan, rider of Sideshow Bob trained by Ms. Sheila Lavery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was feeling the ground coming down the hill.
J.A. Powell, rider of Pulsating trained by Conor O'Dwyer, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was short of room entering the straight.
S.T. McCullagh, rider of Scream trained by David Peter Nagle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away.
S. Foley, rider of Power Of Lazarus trained by Ciaran Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
(GC & EM)
