Fahey follows-up in Downpatrick opener After saddling Appy Getaway to win the bumper at Kilbeggan yesterday evening, Peter Fahey struck again with Atomic Queen in the opener at Downpatrick, the ITBA Mares Maiden Hurdle. Disappointing on her debut over flights last month, the Flemensfirth six-year-old proved easy-to-back this afternoon and was returned at 5/1 (from 5/2 early). Not fluent over the first, the bay victor was better thereafter and raced mainly in third under Sam Ewing. Dropping to fourth and pushed along from the penultimate obstacle, she got a nice run through on the inner before the last and jumped that flight in a share of the lead. Soon gaining an outright advantage, she ultimately found plenty when ridden and came home five-lengths to the good in the colours of the Straffan Racing Partnership. Well-supported into 5/4 favouritism (from 4s), Galileo Springs had to settle for second under Ricky Doyle for Martin Brassil, while Hillhead Runner (15/8) was half-a-length away in third. "She won her bumper and then she backed it up with a good run in a winners' bumper," Fahey commented. "We came out of Kilbeggan scratching our heads, I think things just went wrong that day. The run did her no harm and we came here today because it was a bonus race. "She is a nice filly going forward, definitely. "You won't see the best of her until she gets to a better track - more of a galloping track suits her. "I'm delighted for Gerry O'Neill, he's a good supporter of the yard. "Fingers crossed, she goes on there and ends up being a black-type filly." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Peter Fahey, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Atomic Queen, placed first, as compared with the last run. Peter Fahey stated that his charge got caught out wide and the race wasn't run to suit on the first run over hurdles. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the report given. * D.J Gilligan, rider of Penny Perfect, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very green. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr R. Guiney, rider of Boldplay, under Reg.10 regarding a report from the IHRB Medical Officer who reported that Mr R. Guiney rode without his mouth guard. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mouth guard was lost at some point between being unseated from his mount during the race and entering the ambulance. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards noted the report given and were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
