Bewitched beats the boys in the Ballycorus

Bewitched for trainer Charles O’Brien and jockey Johnny Murtagh took the feature race on today’s card at Leopardstown, the Group 3 Ballycorus Stakes, in convincing style.

The grey daughter of Dansilli, who was sent of at the generous price of 6/1, won five last year, including two Group 3’s which came at the Curragh and Ascot in the latter stages of last season.

It looked as if Zoffany (7/4jf) and Glor Na Mara (10/1) would battle out the finish late on but the winner swooped from off the pace and win by a snug length and a quarter at the finish.

Winning trainer Charles O’Brien said afterwards: "I was surprise how she handled soft ground so well last year, so there was no worries about the quicker conditions here today.

"She might go for the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot now but that could be a very hot race.

"Johnny said she has an even better attitude this season and she feels a lot stronger."

Part owner Mrs Jacqueline O’Brien was present for the victory.

The other 7/4jfav Imperial Rome for David Wachman and Wayne Lordan finished fourth.

Donal Murphy