Ballet completes hat-trick in style

Jills Ballet completed her hat-trick in fine style when running out a convincing winner of the Stephen Quirke Memorial Apprentice Handicap at the Curragh.

Shane Gray made a bold mid-race move to take it up with three furlongs to run in the mile contest and the filly soon kicked clear.

Prunella Dobbs' charge had a healthy lead the the two furlong pole and stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a five-length victory over Balladiene

The 8/1 winner had also struck in an apprentice contest on her last visit to the course having opened her account at Cork previously.

"That's absolutely wonderful. She's so game," said Dobbs afterwards.

"When you get a filly like that it's wonderful. She wants to do it and obviously has a bit of ability.

"I'm not sure where she'll go next - whether we call it a day or go again. But it's a great thrill today.

"Every race is precious with the fact that she did a leg and was off for two years. Every race has to be considered carefully.

"She has the potential to go for a nice handicap and that's what she'll be aimed at as long as the handicapper doesn't think too much of her."

Gary Carson