Review curragh 21st Jul

< Takar got the job done in exemplary style as he picked up the KARE Race Day Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh with the minimum of fuss.

Sent off the 1-7 favourite in a field of just three for the Group Three contest, he was expected to win with ease and did just that after travelling in second spot for most of the way behind the pacesetting Among Equals

Johnny Murtagh drew alongside at the two-furlong marker and kept John Oxx's colt going using hands and heels to beat Singing Bird who could not get in a blow, by three lengths.

David Wachman introduced a useful sort in the Danehill Dancer filly Hint Of A Tint in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.

Wayne Lordan settled the 5-1 chance in mid-division and found a nice split in the final furlong to pick off experienced favourite Starbright the juvenile pulling clear to win by a length.

Michael Mulvany's bottom-weight Chips Are Down (7-2), placed in all three of his starts, was in the firing line all the way and showed plenty of resolution to take the Parfit Mobility Vehicles Supporting KARE Nursery by a neck under Conor Hoban.

Pat Martin's in-form mare Stones Peak (6-4 favourite) travelled sweetly up with pace throughout the Winders Electrical Supporting KARE Handicap and quickened clear for Ronan Whelan to win cosily by a length and a quarter.

Whelan made it a double when 11-4 favourite Custom Cut made all and kicked clear inside the final quarter-mile to complete a four-timer for the George Kent yard in the D & M Trucks Kilcullen Supporting KARE Handicap, winning by three and a quarter lengths.

There was a thrilling finish to the Irish Field Fillies Maiden and it went to the Jim Bolger-trained newcomer Fionnuar (9-2), who collared September Lily on the line under Kevin Manning and scored by two short heads, with Slipper Orchid also in the picture.