SHE had to settle for eighth in this race last year but it was all change this time around as the classy Surrounding added further lustre to a tremendous season in the Listed Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes. Michael Halford’s charge had to contend with a 5lb Group 3 penalty for last month’s Brownstown Stakes triumph but that mattered little. The teak-tough and ultra-reliable six-year-old was sent on by Ronan Whelan rounding the last bend and was not for catching. Titanium Sky threatened late-on but the 2/1 favourite held on by half a length.

“That was a good performance to carry her Group 3 penalty. She looked the one to beat beforehand and she was always in the right position. She’ll head for the Group 3 Fairy Bridge Stakes at Tipperary in a few weeks,” commented Halford.