Super sub Grand Marques wins Abergwaun Stakes for Stack Despite having to withdraw market leader Two Stars due to ground conditions, trainer Fozzy Stack had an able deputy in Grand Marques, who made virtually all under Seamie Heffernan to land the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Abergwaun Stakes at Tipperary. Well drawn in stall 14, Heffernan made the most of that advantageous berth, getting into stride quickly from the off. Strongly pressed by Erosandpsyche over a furlong out, the three-year-old filly showed admirable battling qualities to repel that challenge by half-a-length. Fozzy Stack said: "She had been knocking on the door in those races and I brought her to England about 25 times but she then goes and wins close to home! "She had the right draw today and was able to get to the stands' side rail, which was a big help. Nothing really bothered her in front and he (Heffernan) was able to sit until a furlong-and-a-half down. Everything worked in her favour. "If they all did what she did, a Listed winner and Group 3-placed, we'd be alright and today's race was a win-and-you're-in for the (Group 1) Flying Five Stakes. We have nothing to lose and all those sprinters seem to be beating each other this year. "The Begleys have been good supporters of ours and we go back years." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
