Ardfert Mary comes from last to first under patient Halford ride Ardfert Mary made the breakthrough on her 22nd start, as she came from last to first in the Racing Here Again On The 1st July Qualified Riders Handicap Chase. Fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time and upped in trip to three-miles and a furlong, the John Ryan-trained eight-year-old came in for plenty of market support. Available at 12/1 in early shows, the 76-rated bay was eventually returned at 5s. Dropped out in rear by Josh Halford, the successful daughter of Well Chosen still had all 13 rivals in front of her with a circuit to go. Making rapid progress on the outer from the fifth last, she was ridden to challenge the front-running Burru approaching the final fence and despite a slight mistake there, she drew clear on the run-in to score by four-and-a-half lengths. The aforementioned Burru, who was returned the 4/1 favourite, had to settle for second under Ross Sugrue, while Il Silenzio (12/1) was half-a-length back in third. "She was always going to win this type of race. She's probably better than her rating, she had lots of injuries," Ryan said of the James Killeen owned and bred victor. "Danny Mullins could have killed himself one day in Ballinrobe. She should have won a minute, flashed home late and didn't get there in time. That kid did what I told him. "The lads that own her are lovely people and it's great to get a win for them. "It's special to get a win for those types of people, country people. They had a couple of broodmares all their lives and I think it's their first winner in a long time." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident after jumping the fourth last involving West Clare, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, Smitty Bacall, ridden by Mr J.L. Gleeson, and Ardfert Mary, ridden by Mr J.M. Halford, where it appeared that Smitty Bacall got tight for room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr D. O'Connor stated that his mount may have moved slightly left, but felt he had not contributed to the incident. Mr J.L. Gleeson stated that he got tight for room between two horses but was not travelling well at the time. Mr J.M. Halford stated that his mount may have moved to his right slightly but he kept a firm hold of its head. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards did not apportion blame to any rider and took no further action. * Mr S. Connor, rider of Great Rainbow (FR), trained by Brian M. McMahon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
