Listowel action closed out stylishly by Samba The Sir Francis Brooke owned and bred Samba Train (easy-to-back at 9/4 favourite) impressively landed the Oliver Broderick Pro/Am Fillies INH Flat Race at Listowel for Enda Bolger in the hands of Aine O'Connor. Second in a bumper on the back of debut hurdling sixth placing, the Blue Bresil filly is evidently coming forward all the time and she could be exciting were the progression to continue. Here she made most and travelled strongly to the business end, as did Master Sydney. However there was only going to be only one winner from over a furlong out as Samba Train careered away to triumph by nine and a half lengths. "She came on a nice bit from Cork, has been training well at home and Aine got the fractions right today," said Bolger. "I'll talk to the owner to see if he wants to stay going for the summer or not but she jumps well and is an exciting animal. Her ears were pricked all the way along today. "That's our first winner for Sir Francis Brooke, who lives locally and is the King's representative in Royal Ascot. He was off on his holidays during the week and came all the way to Listowel to see her run, so this is great." The Raceday Stewards interviewed Anthony McCann, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Tonic (GB). Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he couldn't find a suitable rider due to the double meeting on today and apologised for his actions. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards allowed the nomination of Mr J.H. Williamson but found the trainer in breach of Regulation 3 and having taking his record into account, they imposed a fine of 100 Euros on this occasion. In arriving at their decision, the Raceday Stewards took into consideration the double meeting that was on today. (TW & EM)
