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Civena battles gamely for O'Neill

Civena and Adam O'Neill (far side) get up to beat Talbot RoadCivena and Adam O'Neill (far side) get up to beat Talbot Road
© Photo Healy Racing

Civena responded gamely on the run-in to open her account over fences in the beginners chase at Fairyhouse.

The John Berry-trained mare had been prominent throughout but looked booked for second in the closing stages.

Talbot Road who was sent off the 4/6 favourite for the 2m5f event, appeared all set to collect when coming to lead at the second last.

Adam O'Neill got a good tune from Civena on the run-in, despite losing his stick at the last, and she got back up to post a half length success at odds of 16/1.

“She likes this places and the weight maybe told with Talbot Road. She was getting a stone and it made the difference,” said Berry.

“Getting a bit of black-type with her will be the main thing, before she goes breeding. We'll stick her in one of the mares races and hope for the best.”

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.