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Free-going Speisialta keeps going for Staples

Speisialta and Eoin Staples with trainer Tony Black (left) and his son Richie Speisialta and Eoin Staples with trainer Tony Black (left) and his son Richie
© Healy Racing Photos

There was an upset in Sligo's Martin Reilly Hyundai Mares Maiden Hurdle as the free-going Speisialta (14/1) made most under Eoin Staples to turn over the locally-trained 1/3 favourite Circus Hill  

Having her first run over jumps, Austin Fanning's well-related six-year-old was soon in front and, despite never dropping the bridle at any stage, kept up the gallop to readily beat the market leader by 14 lengths. An Lachin Beag was contesting second place when coming down at the last. 

"She's a Walk In The Park and she does everything at a hundred miles an hour," said Bunclody-based winning trainer Tony Black  

"You could probably run her again tomorrow, she's that type.

"She's just tricky and takes plenty of riding at home. She dug her toes in and refused to race one day, and you just have to know her. The main thing was to get her to jump off today.

"She ran well in her first bumper at Punchestown on heavy, and today's ground was ideal for her.

"She's brilliant to jump, and hopefully she'll settle down at some stage. We'll see what the handicapper makes of that. "

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.