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- Civena battles gamely for O'Neill
Gary Carson
Civena battles gamely for O'Neill
Civena and Adam O'Neill (far side) get up to beat Talbot Road
© Photo Healy Racing
Civena responded gamely on the run-in to open her account over fences in the beginners chase at Fairyhouse.
The John Berry-trained mare had been prominent throughout but looked booked for second in the closing stages.
Talbot Road who was sent off the 4/6 favourite for the 2m5f event, appeared all set to collect when coming to lead at the second last.
Adam O'Neill got a good tune from Civena on the run-in, despite losing his stick at the last, and she got back up to post a half length success at odds of 16/1.
“She likes this places and the weight maybe told with Talbot Road. She was getting a stone and it made the difference,” said Berry.
“Getting a bit of black-type with her will be the main thing, before she goes breeding. We'll stick her in one of the mares races and hope for the best.”