Cork hurler Seamus Harnedy watches father's mare win at Gowran Park

All-Star Cork forward Seamus Harnedy was present at a sun-drenched Gowran Park to see his father's mare Inchiquin Star land the Robert Grace Live After Racing June 2nd Handicap. 

She was winning on the flat for the first time at her 20th attempt. In contrast, she’s been a great money-spinner over hurdles for the Harnedys, winning twice at Wexford and also at Tramore. 

Cian Quirke has struck up a great partnership with her over hurdles. Here she combined with the genial Colin Keane to shed her maiden status on the level. Seamus Harnedy was thrilled after in the parade ring and told me he wasn't certain she'd got there in that head-bobbing finish.

She went to post a 7/1 chance having opened at 12/1 so she wasn't entirely neglected. 

Champion jockey Colin Keane had her handily placed throughout, getting a nice lead off Sioux Eagle. 

As they swung for home Inchiquin Star loomed large to lead approaching the two-furlong marker. It quickly developed into a duel as Luke McAteer galvanised Sioux Eagle.

There was precious little between them inside the final hundred yards with both giving generously. They crossed the line in unison with the photograph revealing Inchiquin Star had prevailed by a nose. 

Keane paid tribute to a very game mare: "When we needed her, she was good and game."

The winner has been a great servant to Gortroe owner Sean Harnedy with three victories over hurdles. She is a decent dual-purpose mare and her willingness to dig deep will always stand her in good stead. She sported cheekpieces and they have helped her to focus in the past.

Her trainer Paul Kiely is well known in the point-to-point sphere. Inchiquin Star had her first-ever victory at Paul's local track in Tramore two years ago. Sean Harnedy has been a great supporter of the yard. He had Rose Mahler who was placed a few times before she was killed at Wexford.

IMPACT

Seamus Harnedy made a big impact off the bench scoring twice last Sunday at the Gaelic Grounds and he's expected to start on Sunday in Cork's final round-robin game against Waterford. 

Hopefully, this victory sets the tone for a big weekend for the St Ita's clubman. He will be hoping Cork get to the Munster final and try and add to the three Munster titles he's already claimed allied to three All-Stars.