Lady Olwyn turns up the form book

Lady Olwyn left her previous uninspiring form well behind when landing her first career win in the mares handicap hurdle at Tramore.

The seven-year-old, with Mark Bolger in the saddle, kept up the gallop from the front in the final circuit of the two mile five race and was all out to win by a length and a half from Willies Girl at 7/1. Heavenly Chorus the 5/2 favourite, couldn’t reel in the winner either and took third beaten three and a quarter lengths.

Trainer John McConnell said: “I’m delighted for Mick McQuade [from the Glasvale Syndicate]. He has been very loyal and is a very good owner, but has not had much luck with me.

“She’s in foal. I’m not sure whether that made a difference or not.

“I decided to get her really fit and have one go. She’s in at Sligo again on Tuesday, but that may be a big ask for her after that race.”

On her previous 11 starts she had two second places in Downpatrick and Limerick bumpers in November 2010. Recently she had been beaten 38 lengths, 73 lengths and 26 lengths in hurdle races.

She was the 16/1 outsider of the seven runners and paid 25.90 euro for a win on the Tote. Dearest Girl (9/2) dropped out badly and was pulled up and dismounted by Michael Butler after four out.

(on course reporting by Alan Magee)