Simple Steps continues Robert Tyner’s stellar campaign in Gain Mares’ Final

The coveted Gain Mares’ Final occupied centre stage at yesterday’s well-attended Ballynoe point-to-point fixture, staged under the auspices of the United Hunt at Garryane, Killavorilla and Kilclare.

The decision of sponsors’ Gain and the Ballynoe committee to offer a generous €3,000 bonus to the owner of the winning mare yielded a rich dividend as 11 participants went to post, a noticeable improvement from the six-runner line-up that last year’s event attracted, and Simple Steps continued handler Robert Tyner’s stellar campaign by winning a thrilling renewal in the hands of Derek O’Connor.

The five-year-old Simple Steps (100/30), so impressive when winning a Nenagh novice riders’ maiden with Larry O’Carroll in late-January, always travelled with purpose and she moved through to dispute briefly with Gabrielleamee and Kara Loca setting out on the final circuit.