Sales bound Blossom benefits from 'perfectly timed' Coen ride With his intended mount a non-runner, Ben Coen replaced Rory Mulligan on Amber Blossom and guided this Johnny Murtagh-trained bay to a narrow win in the Racing Again Tomorrow Fillies Handicap. Successful at Dundalk in November and twice a runner-up at the all-weather venue since, the Zoustar three-year-old was seventh of 18 when last seen at Leopardstown. Sent off a 15/2 chance this evening and pushed along behind the leaders from early, she picked up well when ridden inside the final furlong, getting up in the dying strides to beat Kinda Tiny (11/1) by a neck. After a brave bid from the front, Just Before (11/2) was swallowed up inside the final 100 yards and ultimately finished three-quarters of a length back in third. Returned the 2/1 favourite, Mother Mara had every chance from the furlong pole, but couldn't match the principals and eventually finished fifth. "She handles the all-weather well so good to firm ground today probably suited her," Murtagh said of the Weld-Spec (Glasgow) Ltd-owned victor. "He gave her a great ride to get up on the line - perfectly timed. "She is going to the July Sale next week." Coen was following on from the success of his cousin Sam in the previous contest. STEWARDS REPORTS * S. Foley, rider of Mother Mara (GB), trained by Gerard O'Leary, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount rolled around and lost its action in the last 25 yards. * The Raceday Stewards interviewed S. Foley, rider of Mother Mara (GB), placed fifth (beaten by a head for fourth place), where the rider appeared to stop riding before the line while in fourth place. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that his mount became unbalanced in the closing stages, rolled around and felt like she was not moving correctly and added that he eased his mount as a consequence. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Mother Mara (GB), had a wound on the left hind coronary band and was otherwise post race normal. Having viewed a recording of the closing stages and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident approximately 150 yards from the finish involving Bundle Of Interest, ridden by N.M. Crosse, unplaced, and Mother Mara (GB), ridden by S. Foley, placed fifth, where it appeared contact was made between both horses. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
