Sweeney and Ryan the men to follow in Tramore bumper again Successful a year ago in the corresponding event with a well-backed favourite in Glannagaullitehous, trainer Jonathan Sweeney and rider Adam Ryan repeated the feat in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares INH Flat Race at Tramore this evening courtesy of Early Bird. A beaten favourite on her previous two starts this time it all came together for the victorious Shirocco mare, as she led home some of the other fancied contenders in the ten strong field. Beginning for Gordon Elliott Crossbar Getaway gave Early Bird (11/8 fav) most to do, but eventually had to give way to the tune of four and a half lengths. For the locals Fraher Field ended up a length back in third. "It was an impressive run the last day and she came forward from it a good bit. Her work at home was good there the last week or fortnight. Adam said she struggled to handle the track. He just kept out a bit with her but she found it tight. Hopefully she'll be alright in the morning," said Sweeney. "She might go out to field now for a month or six weeks, I don't know. We'll see what's coming up, but it's very difficult. We went down to Wexford the other night to run a horse, but we just couldn't. It's hard at this time of the year, with the weather so good. It was patchy at Wexford, whereas it's more consistent here." The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the back straight involving Fraher Field, ridden by Mr J.L. Gleeson, placed third and Free From Bree, ridden by Mr T.P. Aherne, unplaced where it appeared Free From Bree clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr J.L. Gleeson stated that Mr T.P. Aherne was out of his vision and was unaware of the incident. Mr T.P. Aherne stated that he gave his mount a squeeze and ran up on heels and he clipped a heel. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. (DM & EM)
