Stepdance lands her hat-trick for de Bromhead

Henry de Bromhead's Stepdance (6/4f) brought up her hat-trick when coming home best in the Strand Inn Dunmore East Handicap over 1m4f in Tramore.

She faced a stern challenge in the final furlong from both Gotta Catch'em All and a staying-on Captain Hanley on the outer, but gamely toughed.

She passed the winning post three-quarters of a length ahead of Gotta Catch-em All (4/1) with Captain Hanley just a short head back in third.

Jockey Wayne Hassett said: "She did that very well, she was a bit in my hands there today compared to the last day I won on her here. I didn't have as much cover as I did the last day.

"I was a little bit worried about hitting the front because the last day she pricked her ears. Leigh (Roche on Serafina didn't bring me to where I wanted him to, but I had to go when I did.

"When the horses came from behind me, she spotted them and stayed at it. She's tough and I'd say she is only getting better. She's fairly relaxed and she's game.

"I think she could (step into better company). Today she pulled, relaxed and quickened again and fought the whole way to the line. She could definitely go in a better race and I love the way she toughed it out today."

She began her winning run over course and distance in July and followed up at Limerick four days later.