Blue routs the opposition

Isobella Blue turned what looked a wide open Coolcotts Handicap Hurdle into a procession when stretching clear in the straight for an impressive win under Tim Carroll.

The Tom Foley-trained mare, backed from 13/2 into 5/1 joint favourite, led three out and put the two mile event to bed in a matter of strides before the last.

The five-year-old grey daughter of Daylami soon drew clear to such effect under Carroll that she had 11 lengths to spare over the other joint favourite Adropaupep at the line.

The runner-up didn't help her chances when blundering badly four out, while Five Two (10/1) and Prayer From Heaven (9/1) took the minor placings.

Foley said, “I'd have been happier if she hadn't won by as far but it wouldn't have been the greatest of races. My neighbour Tom Donohue owns her, and we'll go for a handy race somewhere. We'll stay away from Galway.”

Foley, best known for his handling of the legendary Danoli in the 1990's, added, “I have only two riding out at the moment as the ground is too hard. We'll have to wait until September.”

Alan Magee