Lily The Lioness shows guts aplenty

Lily The Lioness foiled the morning price gamble on Easter Spirit in Tipperary’s extended mile and four handicap.

Easter Spirit contracted to 6/1 from 20s, but only the place dividend was secured as he proved no match for the winner in finishing third, beaten 10 and a half lengths.

Lily The Lioness didn’t go unbacked from 25/1 this morning to an SP of 16/1. Her last two outings came in handicap hurdles at Clonmel and Downpatrick where she was 13th and 4th respectively.

The distinctive yellow colours worn by jockey Wayne Lordan were seen working their way to the front at the two pole. None of her rivals were able to challenge her from there as Garrett James Power's seven-year-old mare strode through the yielding ground for a seven-lengths victory. Dancingwithangels (16/1) got a runner-up reward ahead of Easter Spirit.

The winner was hooded for the first time on the flat tonight.