Rivals feel Viper’s bite in final

SPRINGWOOD VIPER, owned by Denis McCarthy from Mallow, took full advantage of his inside draw to land the final of the Emerald Green Maple A4 Stakes at Curraheen Park last night.

The 5/2 shot led just before the bend and stayed on well to beat the strong finishing 6/4 favourite Droopys Joselyn by 2½l in 31.70.

Drive On Fancy also ran on strongly to win the second heat of the Pascal Taggart A4 Stakes in a fastest of the night 28.71.

Trainer John Duggan continued his rich vein of form with another double. He landed the sprint with the improving Flying Supremo in 17.87 and also scored with Witches When, who got off the mark in 29.36 in the ninth race.