Well-backed Molly Wedger wins by 17 lengths after eyecatching run a day earlier
Less than 20 hours after an eyecatching third at the same venue that prompted the stewards to hold a running-and-riding inquiry, Molly Wedger rewarded good market support to run out a 17-length winner of a 2m5½f handicap hurdle for Brian Hayes and Dermot O'Brien.
The 88-rated performer, who had been sent off a 22-1 chance in a mares' maiden hurdle on Friday night, scored as the 7-2 favourite after being available at 20-1 overnight and 15-2 not long before the off.
The winning rider told the stewards at the Friday inquiry that his mount "made a respiratory noise at the top of the hill before gathering herself and running on past tired horses". O'Brien added that the mare wasn't clear-winded in explanations that were noted on the night.
"Things didn't go our way yesterday so we regrouped and came back today," the in-form Hayes told Racing TV.
"We said we'd try and be a bit more forward with her and use her stamina – she seems to stay quite well. Not getting there too early was the main job, she was cantering everywhere."
He added: "I was quite impressed with the way she quickened up going to the second-last – I didn't realise I had as much left – but she obviously showed no ill effects from yesterday."
It was a good afternoon for Hayes, who doubled up 35 minutes later when the Willie Mullins-trained Robinnia made the perfect transition to life over fences, winning readily after stablemate Lady Breffni came down at the second-last.
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Published on 5 June 2021inReports
Last updated 18:58, 5 June 2021
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