Saga proves too good for odds-on Run The James Barrett trained Saga Sprint over turned the odds-on favourite Palavicini Run in the opener at Fairyhouse, the Fairyhouse Welcomes Competitors Of The Tattersalls International Horse Trials Claiming Race. Available at 4/1 last night, the winning daughter of Excellent Art proved friendless with punters, opening on-course at 7's before going off an 8/1 chance. Settled towards rear by Daniel Redmond, she made progress on the outer as they approached the straight. She was ridden from two furlongs out, and it took a while for her to respond, as she got going to lead inside the final furlong, staying on well to score by three and a quarter lengths. The 4/9 favourite (from 4/7 on-course) Palavicini Run, who was prominent throughout, looked set to score over a furlong out, but she tired inside the final furlong, and had to settle for second under Colm O’Donogue for Jessica Harrington. James Barrett said afterwards: "She hated the ground. I guessed that coming up but she was here so we let her run. "She'll be sold now. She's a nice filly and I think she can win a big handicap later in the year on soft ground. "She's a lovely honest filly and I think she has a future." After the race Jimmy Finn claimed Saga Sprint for E24,000, while Philip Byrne claimed Palavicini Run for E15,000. STEWARDS REPORTS * The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Power Grid, trained by John James Feane, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have burst a blood vessel. * Gary Paul Halpin, rider of Power Grid trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel during this race. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
