Some Pretender gets the job done on debut

In the colours of Syndicates Racing, Some Pretender justified even money favouritism on debut in the Salthill Hotel Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race.

Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his son Patrick, the E28,000 Tattersalls Derby Sale purchase tracked the leaders on the outer, before improving to dispute the lead on the approach to the straight.

Soon pushed along and gaining a narrow advantage, she needed to be ridden out inside the final furlong, holding off the persistent effort of Midnight Musical (16/1) by three-quarters of a length.

Aine O'Connor was aboard the runner-up for Anthony McCann, while newcomer Brave Lady (9/1) was another two-and-three-quarters of a length back in third.

"There is a good following here from Syndicates Racing. She had worked nicely at home and we knew coming here she was good enough, if she got the breaks. She did what we hoped to do," the successful handler, who was recording his fourth winner of the week, reflected.

"I'd imagine we'll think about going for the Listed bumper in Gowran (November) before we go jumping as I can see improvement in her on softer ground, being by Great Pretender. She is a fine big mare and I think we'll give her an easy time now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident on the home bend involving Cailin Deas ridden by Mr R.W. Barron, placed fourth, Rainbow Connection ridden by Mr L.P. Shanahan, unplaced, Run For The Border ridden by Mr D. McGill, placed sixth, Something Fabulous ridden by Mr F.R. Buckley, unplaced, and Brave Lady, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, placed third, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. R.W. Barron said he got a bump from his inside. Mr. L.P. Shanahan said he didn't feel much interference. Mr D. McGill said he received pressure from his inside. Mr. F.R. Brickley said he received slight interference from his from his inside. Mr. D. O'Connor said his mount cornered badly and ran off the bend causing the incident however he felt he made every effort to correct her. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes