Templemore apprentice David Moran opened his account when giving Margarula a capable ride to take the Littleton Nursery in front of a very modest crowd at Thurles this afternoon. The Jim Bolger-trained filly and the well-backed topweight Arkaga had the mile event between them in the straight with Moran's mount keeping on well to prevail by three-quarters of a length.
Ambrose Reilly from Belmullet recorded his second win when getting the progressive Peaceful Sarah up in the closing stages to beat Grianan Realta by half a length in the one-mile Square Ext. Handicap. On a good afternoon for young riders, Rachel Costello on board Desert Trail emerged the strongest over the final furlong to beat Acting by one and a half lengths in the Last Chance 3-Year-Old Maiden. "Rachel gave her a lovely ride. This filly is improving all the time, and may go jumping eventually", said trainer Michael Halford, who is now on the 46 winner mark for the year.
Peter Casey views Fearn Royal as a nice mile and a half filly for next season after staying on strongly for a convincing success in the Cahir Median Auction Maiden, heading Quakemaker with Pat Smullen on board over a furlong out to score by five lengths. Smullen and Dermot Weld had to settle for the runner-up three times on the card, although Literary Lover looks a certain future winner after just failing to peg back Solid Approach in the European Breeders Fund race.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
