Catimini wins thriller in mares hurdles

The mares hurdle at Wexford produced yet another thrilling finish with Catimini just getting the verdict. Somethingprecious took them along in the two-and-a-half mile contest and she proved a tough nut to crack when tackled after the last.

The gamble of the race, Dashing Lady (14/1 in morning, returned 5/1) fought her way to a narrow lead on the long run-in but was grabbed in the dying strides.

14/1 shot Catimini stayed on gamely, under Kevin Sexton, and just had her head in front where it mattered to secure a head success.

It was a return to form for the Sean Byrne-trained mare and the winning trainer said afterwards:-

"She is back to herself. She loves this place and won her bumper here.

“She had bits of problems with her feet but she is over them now. She had to harden her legs up.

“She battled on and jumped well, I'd say she will get further. She will go on soft ground and will stick to mares races."

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)