Future looks bright for Angel

IT was a case of the best wine being reserved until last at the final session of the four-day Tramore festival yesterday as the Pat Hurley-trained newcomer Ambush Angel hinted that she holds a particularly bright future by landing the closing 2012 - Tramore Races Centenary Year Mares Flat Race.

Ambush Angel, a quietly supported 16/1 chance, secured a dream run through on the inner for Thurles amateur Damien Skehan to lead over two furlongs out. The winning daughter of Dushyantor was in no mood to be denied thereafter and she stayed on bravely to thwart Silver Chief, runner-up in a Limerick maiden hurdle in March, by three parts of a length in the colours of Ballinhassig-based owner Gus O’Mahony.

Borrisoleigh-based Hurley, who attained his previous track success with Golden Gazelle in a Killarney bumper in July 1991, said: “We knew that she would go well today and we had a small few quid on. We were a little worried about the ground and Damien gave her a great ride. There’s a mares’ hurdle race for her now at Down Royal in two weeks time.”