Marshals Henry springs surprise in Fermoy

THERE was a surprise in the final of the Ballyarthur Stakes at Fermoy yesterday when Marshals Henry, a 7-1 chance in the morning, beat the long odds favourite Pay Me, trained by Michael O’Donovan, by six lengths when coming from behind in a straight run up.

The overnight favourite in the Derby Trial Stake, Skellig Wish, duly collected his ticket for Clonmel but gave his supporters some anxious moments. He was slowly away in his quarter-final against Colla Eoin but came from behind to get the verdict by a half a length. In the final there was little between him and Vacume Wizard up the stretch but he pulled out to have a length in hand at the escape.

There was no final to the Oaks Trial Stake as the favourite, Moat Lady, met a very lively hare who refused to go in in her semi-final with Curragh Jane and the pair got quite a dusting before they were caught. She was then withdrawn from the decider and second favourite Carrollsdesquare was declared the winner.