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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Ceol takes time to find top gear

Tue 26th Jun 2012, 17:24

Ceol Rua (yellow) gets the better of Cnoc Na Sioga (center) and Sword Of Destiny (rail)Ceol Rua (yellow) gets the better of Cnoc Na Sioga (center) and Sword Of Destiny (rail)
© Photo Healy Racing

Ceol Rua got going late to land the spoils in the opening maiden at Ballinrobe this evening.

Pat Smullen was at work with over half a mile to run on the hotpot, who was backed from evens in the morning and sent off 4/6 favourite on track.

The Willie Mullins trained mare looked to be struggling to get into contention rounding the top turn but found her feet when they straightened up.

The daughter of Bob Back stayed on strongly to challenge inside the final furlong and got up in the closing stages to record a half-length victory over 20/1 shot Cnoc Na Sioga

Sword Of Destiny had claimed long-time leader Moonlight Fencer over two furlongs out but was strongly pressed by the runner-up turning for home.

The pair were both trumped inside the final furlong however as the favourite finally found top gear in the closing stages of the 1m6f contest.

The winner was making her first start on the Flat, having landed a bumper and two hurdles previously.

"They went a good gallop. She's all stamina and heart," said Smullen afterwards.

"The tight track was not totally to her liking but she showed great determination in the last furlong-and-a-half.

"Stamina and courage on the day won out."

(On course reporting by Thomas Weekes)

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.