Mother Mara provides O'Leary & Burns with some compensation

Just denied with Bear Profit in the feature on Tuesday, Mother Mara provided Ger O'Leary, Nicola Burns and the Purosangue Racing Syndicate with some compensation in the Arthur Guinness Handicap.

Previously in the care of Ralph Beckett and bought by current connections for 21,000 pounds, the Mohaather bay was beaten by just a short head on her penultimate start at Fairyhouse.

Since fifth at Tipperary, she was sent off a 15/2 chance this evening and raced in mid-division on the inner, making good progress into third on the approach to the straight.

Drifting off the rail and ridden with over a furlong to go, she gradually reeled-in William F Browne and was half-a-length in front of that rival on crossing the line.

The runner-up was returned at 28/1 under Gary Carroll for Paul Flynn, while Rizal (12/1) and Cezarro (33/1) were third and fourth respectively.

Sent off the 5/1 joint-favourites, Vega's Muse and the hat-trick seeking Dance For Chester finished sixth and twelfth respectively.

"It was a great result. Ger had her ready to rock coming here today," assistant trainer Dean Curran commented.

"She was showing plenty at home and it's a great place to get a winner so we're very thankful. It's a great result for everyone all around.

"She's a big filly and we knew the trip was going to be no issue.

"Winners are hard come by here and we were unlucky on Tuesday (with Bear Profit). We're glad to get this one and we're going to enjoy it now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

J.S. Dalton, rider of In The Minus trained by Brian Francis Cawley, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered in the straight.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving Rizal (FR), ridden by B.M. Coen, placed third, Red Scarlet ridden by J.A. Heffernan, unplaced, and In The Minus, ridden by J.S. Dalton, unplaced, where it appeared In The Minus clipped a heel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J.S. Dalton stated that he got a small bit squeezed and as he pulled out he clipped a heel with Red Scarlet who was retreating. B.M. Coen stated that he didn't contribute to the incident. J.A. Heffernan stated that he was unaware of what was behind him. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Mr. Fran Berry accompanied J.S. Dalton at this enquiry.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson