Mary Shoelaces hits the right note The Eddie and Patrick Harty-trained Mary Shoelaces (22/1) was victorious in the finale at the Curragh. The five-year-old, ridden by talented apprentice Jessica O'Gorman, was prominent throughout, a feature of today's results, and toughed it out when facing challenges from the fast-finishing Harry's Hill and Namiid. Speaking after the race, trainer Eddie Harty said: "A relief really. Our horses got sick in May and it's been a bit of a struggle to get them back right and running well. Just when you have things right, the bloods are wrong or there is a cough or something. Massive relief. Mary Shoelaces has just become a family pet owned by mum and dad. Fourth win now. "She won this race a couple of years ago. She's fantastic. A great little filly that gives us a lot of fun. "That would have meant a lot to Jessica. Her uncle died very suddenly last weekend. She was very close to him and used to ring or text before every ride. This morning, she said she woke up and went to send a text and realised there is no one there now. So she's a bit emotional after that. I'd say she got a great kick out of it." Quotes from John O'Riordan
