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Diva survives enquiry to follow up on Limerick win

Cnocan Diva under Shane Gray (left) keep on best to beat Susiescot under Leigh RocheCnocan Diva under Shane Gray (left) keep on best to beat Susiescot under Leigh Roche
© Photo Healy Racing

Cnocan Diva followed up on her victory at Limerick earlier this month by taking the Irish Field Handicap over a mile for her trainer Tommy Stack with Shane Gray aboard.

Having opened the 9/2 this morning the winner was well supported and went off the 7/2 favourite.

The 4yo daughter of Danehill Dancer (second winner for that sire after Chrysanthemum got off the mark on her first start as a 4yo at Limerick last month on what was her second start in Handicap company.

She ran poorly on her debut at Tipperary last year but ran well in two subsequent starts in maiden company. Given a mark of 73 by the handicapper she finished a good third at Navan in October behind Fred Fenster on her handicap debut.

Given just three pounds for her half a length Limerick win, the Newtown Anner Stud Farm owned filly, tracked the leaders early on today and was fourth after four furlongs.

She made headway to challenge a furlong from home and when ridden she hit the front but edged left inside the final furlong and bumped into the runner-up Susiescot (11/2) under Leigh Roche.

However she kept on well under pressure to score, winning by just a short head at the line.

A stewards enquiry was called shortly after the passed the post but no alternation was made to the result.

Boom to Bust for Ger Lyons completed the placings a further three lengths back in third at 16/1.

1st
7/2Fav
Tote €4.30 €1.50
2nd
shd
11/2
€1.60
3rd
3L
16/1
€6.90
4th
hd
16/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.