Local joy with Pearl Of The West in Bellewstown

Pearl Of The West (11/4) was a local winner in Bellewstown as she toughed it out in the extended two mile novice hurdle.

She was there to be shot when she assumed the lead after the second of 10 hurdles but stuck to her task well to prevail by three and a half lengths for jockey Donie McInerney.

Runner-up Park Paddocks (5/1) finished a nose in front of 2/1 favourite Room To Roam

Trainer John McConnell said: “She’s an improving filly and is getting the hang of things over hurdles.

"It was important that she won today as her owner (Derek Kierans) is a local man and was back from America to see her run.

“She is useful on the Flat as well and there are plenty of options for her.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee