Donal Murphy
In-foal Kauto Mill Rose takes the second
Kauto Mill Rose clears the last under Kevin Sexton
© Photo Healy Racing
The in-foal Kauto Mill Rose took the Allied Bakeries Mares Maiden Hurdle under Kevin Sexton for Harry Kelly.
The six-year-old French-bred daughter of Bonbon Rose had her last three runs in handicap company, but she was stepping back to maiden company this evening.
She was 12/1 this morning with Paddy Power, opening on-course at 9/1, touching 10s, before going off at 7/1.
Having chased the leaders, she closed approaching the third last, soon challenging and getting on terms.
She lead after that flight, keeping on well from there, asserting on the run-in to score by three lengths. May Dullea finished second at 9/1 under Mick Darcy for Denis Cullen, while Faustina Pius was third, a further two lengths back under Brian Hayes for John Queally at 8/1.
After finishing second on her hurdling debut at Ballinrobe earlier this month, Lady Bennett was sent off an easy to backed 9/4 favourite (6/4 this morning and opened at 2/1 on-course).
She made mistakes at the first and the fifth last, finishing a well-beaten seventh under David Casey for Charlie Swan.
Kevin Sexton said afterwards: "She found plenty. She's in foal to Oscar since her last run and that has sweetened her up.
"She has disappointed us as we thought a bit of her. She unseated in Sligo at the last .
"We gave her a break and she has strengthened up."
After the race, David Casey, rider of Lady Bennett, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a bad mistake five out and didn’t travel thereafter.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Lady Bennett at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham