Door opens for Belle

Ma Belle Amie was rewarded for her consistency with a convincing success under Davy Russell in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick, breaking her maiden at the tenth attempt.

Colin Bowe 's mare had a danger eliminated from an early stage as Sitcom unseated Alan Crowe at the first.

However from before the second last, the victorious daughter of Oscar was difficult for her rivals to deal with as she stayed on well to beat the keeping-on Ultra Light by four lengths.

Favourite, Queen Of The Hill finished a one-paced third, nine and a half lengths back.

Colin Bowe trains Ma Belle Amie for Kieran Cotter and she'll make a nice broodmare when her racing days are done as she has an attractive pedigree.

Her half-brother, Royal Guardsman (by King's Theatre) is already twice a winner and he holds entries at Cheltenham next week. (MG & EM)