Curling's mare bounds clear in Leopardstown bumper The concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race at Leopardstown went to Ealu (11/4, from 7/2 before the off) who scored readily in the hands of Derek O’Connor. The veteran amateur had ridden the daughter of Getaway in a Boulta point-point in November where she came down two out when very much in contention. Here, fitted with a tongue-tie for her Rules debut, she moved into second on the home turn and headed front-running favourite Araminta just over a furlong out to post a five-length win. “She’s a lovely mare. I’d say she would have won the first day at Boulta,” said winning trainer Sam Curling. “In fairness Pius (Collins, owner) was offered a good bit of money and he said he’d keep her. “She’s always been very nice. She’ll go for a black-type bumper, she’ll probably go to Aintree. “I’d say she’ll even be better on a bit better ground. She’s a nice mare to look forward to. “Derek was very impressed with her, she’s a lovely filly. “She’s always shown that, she showed it all last year as well.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
