Thankfully Emcon & Martin Burke were okay after they crashed out at the last.© Photo Healy Racing
The consistent Good As Gold (6/1) recorded her second career success as she got up close home to land the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Donagh Meyler for Pat Fahy and the Good As Gold Syndicate.
The daughter of Beneficial won her maiden hurdle at Tramore in April of 2014 and she finished a good second on her last outing at Clonmel.
Settled in mid-division she was ridden on the inner as they entered the straight and she was third before two out.
She was left second after the last, with Emcon crashing out, and she kept on gamely under pressure, getting up close home to win by a length. Golden Ticket (11/2 favourite) kept on well on the run-in to finish a never nearer second under Cian Maher (having his first racecourse ride) for Christy Roche. Storm Away who looked the most likely winner after two out, was a further neck back in third under Niall Kelly for Pat Flynn at the odds of 9/1.
The winner was lame returning to the parade ring and Pat Fahy said: "Donagh said she hit a hurdle hard so hopefully it is just a bang but she is entitled to a break and that is her finished for the season.
"She had been running and running and running and then we targeted this race, thinking it wouldn't be as competitive as it turned out!"
STEWARDS REPORTS
S.J. Crimin, rider of Santo Prince (USA) trained by Robert Alan Hennessy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his action and pulled up.
L.A. McKenna, rider of Just For Joe trained by Mrs Hannah Lee, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost a lot of ground before staying on again in the latter stages.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Good As Gold (GB) trained by P.A.Fahy was lame post race.
Mrs Hannah Lee, trainer of Just For Joe, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her charge scoped badly post race
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
