Birdie beats the boys to lead home de Bromhead 1-2 The only mare in the line-up, Birdie Or Bust led home a 1-2 for Henry de Bromhead in the Kerrymaid Rated Novice Chase. Successful on her fourth try over fences at Killarney in May, the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old disappointed when sent off favourite on her most recent start. Returned a 5/1 chance today, the 129-rated bay blundered at the first and fourth and was third halfway. Left second by the fall of Macinamillion four out, she was pushed along to challenge the front-running Hashtag Pretender approaching the second last and assumed command when ridden after that obstacle, ultimately coming home two-and-a-half lengths to the good. From 33s early, The Electrical Kid (14/1) kept on well to take second under Mike O'Connor, while the aforementioned Hashtag Pretender (3/1jfav) was another two-and-a-half lengths away in third. There was a further two-length gap back to Waterford Whispers (3/1jfav) in fourth, with this one also trained by de Bromhead and owned by McManus. "That was grand. She made a mistake at the third last the first time but after that she jumped great," Frank Berry, McManus' racing manager, reflected. "They went a good gallop. She'll tip away for the winter in those sort of races. "She's 129 so she probably needs to improve a little bit for some of those graded races. She'll tip away anywhere she can, maybe in a handicap somewhere. "We're delighted with her, to get back on a winning track." STEWARDS REPORTS * Keith Donoghue, rider of Aspurofthemoment, trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a couple of mistakes. * The Raceday Stewards reviewed the riders first approach to the starter. Having viewed a recording of the start and consulted with the IHRB Starter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
