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Surrounding makes up for lost time

Surrounding and Shane Foley (centre) beat Stormy BelleSurrounding and Shane Foley (centre) beat Stormy Belle
© Photo Healy Racing

Surrounding made up for some lost time when taking the fillies handicap at the Curragh this afternoon.

The 9/1 shot tracked leader Stormy Belle in the mile contest and the pair settled down to battle it out inside the final furlong.

Shane Foley got a good tune from Surrounding close home as the Michael Halford-trained filly edged the verdict by a neck from the front-runner.

The winner had taken a maiden at Limerick in April and was making just her third career start.

“I'm delighted. She got struck into behind at Limerick and we lost a lot of time with her. She's a big genuine filly,” said Halford.

“They went very steady and that probably helped her with her fitness. Shane was probably in the right place and gave her a nice ride.

“She's a lightly raced filly and saves her best for the track. She's very game and we'll probably run her in another handicap. Hopefully she keeps improving.

“Eventually we'll take a chance one day in a Listed race as the owners have all the family. They are terrific owners. They are so patient and never put me under any pressure.”

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.