Gutsy Girl scores for Morgan

Independent Girl at 11/1 put in a gutsy front running performance to land the Galway Shopping Centre Handicap for her trainer Joanna Morgan with young, seven pound claimer Danny Benson in the saddle.

On her sixteen career start the 3yo daughter of Bachelor Duke finally managed to get her head in front, after being placed four times in the past.

She ran over the course and distance on Monday but could only manage eighth behind Good Shot Noreen.

As usually she led from the start and was ridden over two furlongs out, however she kept going today under pressure and stayed on well up the Galway hill to hold on by a neck from Badger or Bust at 6/1.

In what was a great race for the handicapper there was just a short head back to Ultra Cool (10/1) in third with a neck and a short head the distances back to fourth and fifth. Some Slam was sent off the 4/1 favourite under Danny Mullins who was seeking a quick double, but he could only manage a disappointing sixth.

Winning trainer Joanna Morgan said afterwards: "We think she was in season on Monday as she was a bit dead in herself.

"She's hardy and you could run her three days a week. She is dead genuine, but she just lacks a gear.

"Once she got her teeth into the hill and the other horse got to her girth, she kept on.

"She is entered in a mile handicap at Leopardstown on Thursday and she could go there."

Donal Murphy