David Marnane's horse Freescape suffered a fatal injury

The one-mile handicap race for four-year-olds and older horses was overshadowed by a tragic incident involving David Marnane's horse Freescape, who suffered a fatal injury after slipping and falling while approaching the straight. Thankfully, jockey Darragh O'Sullivan escaped unharmed.

In a surprising turn of events, 12/1 outsider Independent Expert emerged victorious, bouncing back from a disappointing performance in early June. The Gutaifan mare stayed close to the leaders throughout the race and managed to overtake Physique in the final furlong, winning by half a length.

Andrew Slattery rode the five-year-old horse owned by Mick Walsh, with Andy Slattery, his father and trainer, expressing his satisfaction with the result. Andy explained that Independent Expert struggled in previous races due to poor ground conditions, but she has now recovered and is in good form. He even mentioned plans to enter her in a Galway festival handicap race.

Andy believes that a horse must be in the race to have a chance to win, emphasising the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities in horse racing.