Limerick trainer Austin Leahy's Life Class added some life to an otherwise average meeting at Tralee today when winning the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap, although not many of those in attendance backed the outsider of the seven runner field.
The 12/1 winner had previously made all to win a Curragh handicap on heavy ground in March but showed her liking for today's fast ground here, maintaining a fast pace throughout, under Helen Keohane, to win by two and a half lengths.
Leahy later commented 'we had been a little concerned about the fast ground but she seemed to handle it well. She stays well and might go to Cork at the weekend. Helen gave her a fine ride. '
Restricted licensed trainer Tony Gannon had his first winner when Domnul Admiral landed the Kingdom Maiden Hurdle. Ballina Belle looked to have the race in safe keeping when clear at the final flight however she tired visibly on the run-in and was headed close home by Shay Barry on Domnul Admiral.
A delighted Gannon stated 'he needs to be held up but travels a bit lazily. The ground was possibly a bit fast but the trip was just right. That's my first winner and it might put me on the map!' Gannon trains at Friarstown on The Curragh.
The opening 1m3f Median Auction Maiden went to Michael Halford's Miss Megs (7/1). The winner made all and was driven out by Tadgh O'Shea for a three length success.
Afterwards Halford mentioned 'there was no obvious front runner in the race so we decided to make the running. The step up to today's trip helped and we will try and find some blacktype for her now.'
Urban was the easy winner of the Fenit Handicap for trainer Joe Crowley and jockey Jamie Spencer. The well backed 7/4 favourite was another to make all although Crowley did report 'that wasn't necessarily the plan but he just found himself in front when there was no early pace.'
He added 'he is bred to stay and does that well. We'll go for another similar race now and he'll make a nice hurdler some day.'
Division one of the Spa Handicap did not look too competitive on paper and went to Black Turtle under seven pound apprentice David Moran. Pat Carey's filly had attracted a little support in the market on each of her last two starts, the most recent of which was last Sunday when finishing well down the field in a similar contest.
Carey reported 'she was drawn 14 and got no run at all here on Sunday. We knew she was well so decided to take our chance again today. She has had a few injuries in the past.'
Favourite backers knew their fate early on in the second division of the Spa Handicap when 5/2 shot Potsdam was pulled up injured at halfway.
The race was won by Thornton Connect, trained at Listowel by Seamus Lynch. Jockey Wayne Lordan had the winner positioned prominently before kicking for home entering the straight, eventually holding the challenges of several rivals under a typically strong Lordan drive.
Lynch reported 'the distance and ground were perfect for her. She has been a little unlucky on the Flat while she doesn't stay hurdle distances.'
The concluding bumper was won by Willie Mullins' Craanford Mill who received a well judged ride from Jamie Codd.
Thomas Weekes.
