Tyrur Tinkerbell gains a hard fought win in Oaks decider
The Brett Lee half-sister to 2007 Derby winner Tyrur Rhino (Tyrur Ted-Tyrur Marita) ran second in the early stages as local hope Brogan Beetlebug set the fractions. On the tail of the leader as they raced into the opening turn, she conceded ground when forced to check wide.
Undaunted and quickly back on the racing line, she accelerated smartly to renew her challenge as the third bend loomed. Moving through along the inside, the strong-staying lady extended to take control before turning into the straight.
At that stage she looked home and hosed but Julia came with a real rattle to ensure the drama was not complete. In a thrilling finish, Tyrur Tinkerbell, who finished third in the Roche Feeds Oaks final at Limerick last month, held on by a neck in 28.68.
Seldom is Definate Opinion beaten when he makes the trip to Curraheen Park and Pat Guilfoyle’s dog, who successfully defended his Cesarewitch crown at Mullingar recently, justified odds of 1-3 in the Open 550. Drawn in the middle, he quickly made his way across to the rails and moved effortlessly clear of his rivals to score in 29.89.
The fastest time of the night over the standard trip came in the opening race where the John Kiely-trained Kranky Ma ran on strongly to deny long-time leader Cool Present by a length and a half in 28.55.
The James Roche-trained Gogetemclaire made light work of justifying favouritism in the Open Bitch 525. A fast break set up a smart 28.74 success.
