SURROUNDING looked a class apart on all fronts beforehand and was more than a class apart in the race itself as Michael Halford’s charge made it back-to-back wins in the Al Basti Equiworld Irish EBF Cooley Fillies Stakes.

A Group 3 and dual listed winner since landing this race in 2018, Surrounding was returned the 10/11 favourite under Ronan Whelan and produced a performance in keeping with her position in the market.