Preparations Shows Good Attitude in Tramore Preparations (4/1) was the winner of the Strand Inn Dunmore East Handicap for rider Sam Coen. The daughter of Mastercraftsman was an eye-catching sixth on her last start in Ballinrobe, where she found trouble in running. We had a hotly-run contest today, with Go Flo Jo setting the fractions in front and appearing to wander off the bend about six furlongs out, which nearly took the eventual winner down in what was another dramatic event, but she regained the lead, with Nathema happy to sit in second. The race changed complexion in the final furlong as Preparations shot to the front and lasted out to win by a length from stablemate Nathema. Brian Slattery, assistant to winning trainer Andy Slattery, said "She was very unlucky to be carried out. "Sam was very good on her. He was very cool on her after it happened. He just let her get her own rhythm and get back into the race. He didn't panic going up the hill, he just waited until they got to the top and tried to creep back into it. "It was brilliant watching the finish. We didn't mind which one won! She will go back over hurdles as well. "We'll try find a similar contest to this one for the other mare." (Quotes from John O'Riordan)
