The presence of Miss Beabea was undoubtedly a major contributor to the Goffs Autumn Bonus attracting just nine runners, but tactics proved crucial as Paris Express upset the 1/2 favourite.
Frances Crowley saddled both Paris Express and Golden Glow in this seven furlongs restricted sales race, and the Piltown trainer explained, 'Pat (Smullen) and Seamus (Heffernan) decided beforehand that the only way to beat Miss Beabea was for Golden Glow to set a good pace.'
The plan worked out perfectly, with Smullen sending Paris Express past his stablemate at the two furlong pole and holding off the challenge of Miss Beabea by a head. Golden Glow kept on to take third place a further three lengths adrift.
Waterford apprentice Davy Condon followed up his double at Gowran Park on Thursday by recording his fifth career win aboard Flying Boat in the EBF Fillies Handicap. Austin Leahy's charge quickly stretched clear after striking the front a furlong out to beat Mirs Style by four lengths, and the Limerick handler completed a double in the following Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap when the Sean Cleary-ridden Spirito Di Punto touched off Material Lady.
The victory of Sean Connors in the J & T Chemicals (Q.R.) Chase brought back happy memories for trainer John Queally. The Dungarvan handler, who was saddling his first winner at this track, said, 'I rode my first ever winner here about 27 years ago on Harban in a novice chase.' He added, ' Sean Connors is inconsistent, but John Thomas (McNamara) got on well with him and made his mind up for him.'
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