Nora Batt is ridden out by Oisin Orr to beat Catwilldo (noseband)© Photo Healy Racing
Nora Batt recorded her second success of the season as she made all to win the Guinness Inter Vintners Pub Challenge Race Handicap.
Successful at Cork last month, the daughter of Art Connoisseur then disappointed on her next start after clipping heels early in the race.
She was fourth of four on her last start at Cork, and she went off an 8/1 chance this evening in the colours of owner/trainer John Nicholson.
Sent straight to the front by Oisin Orr, she was ridden over a furlong out, and kept on well inside the final furlong to hold off Catwilldo by a short head.
The runner-up, who won this race last year, was sent off the well-backed favourite (5's last night and from 4's to 3' on-course) under Donagh O'Connor for Garvan Donnelly. Pillar (7/1) completed the placings a further four and half lengths back in third under Ross Coakley for Adrian McGuinness.
Nicholson said afterwards: "I fancied her. I knew she was working really well.
"Oisin gave her a good ride - he's a good chap. I've had three runners here on the flat and three winners so it's a fair record.
"I actually rode my first winner here 47 years ago in hailstones on a horse called Truly Merry.
"This has been a great family for us and the fillies are very good. She has speed and we'll keep campaigning her in those five furlong races. She has great heart.
"I was worried about the ground but I'm not worried about it going home!"
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into an incident shortly after leaving stalls involving Calm Bay ridden by P.J. Smullen, Nora Batt, ridden by O.J. Orr, and Megans Legacy ridden by G.P. Brouder, where it appeared Calm Bay and Megans Legacy suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found O.J. Orr in breach of Rule 211 (marker poles) and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day. The Stewards further found O.J. Orr in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and having take his record into account suspended him for three race days.
C.D. Hayes, rider of Paytheprice (GB), trained by A. Oliver, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount slipped on leaving stalls.
P.J. Smullen, rider of Calm Bay trained by H.Rogers, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount suffered interference shortly after leaving stalls.
M.C. Hussey, rider of For The Craic trained by Adrian Brendan Joyce, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hit a ridge after two furlongs.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
