Rain just lasts home from Steps In The Sand Rain, 7/2f, clung on by an ever-diminishing nose at the end of a mile and a-half in the Galway Apprentice Handicap. Jessica O'Gorman kicked her on past Out On Friday on the uphill climb for the home bend and she asserted over a furlong from home. The race was far from over, though, as the leader began to tie up in the closing stages and it was Steps In The Sand who stayed on well close home to force the photograph. The leader got it by the minimum margin from the 17/2 runner-up while Quiz Test (10/1) and Far Eclipse (15/2) completed the places. Eddie Harty said: "We got her earlier this year. The ground had been too firm for her at Leopardstown, but she ran a blinder. We backed off and this was the first race which came around and she deserved it. "She is a beautiful filly, is well bred and is a good mover. She was back up in distance, but I don't think that is an issue as a strong 1m2f would suit her. "She was a bit too fresh and well today, and just lasted home, so it was nice. There is a 1m2f qualified riders' handicap at the Curragh on September 28 for her, possibly next. "The syndicate (Fairholme Racing) are Dublin-based, have been involved in racing for a good while and are very nice people." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
