Pimstrel back to winning ways on favoured soft ground

Thrice a previous winner, the George Kingston trained Pimstrel recorded the fourth success of her career when staying on well to land the BoyleSports Supporting Irish Racing Handicap (Div I) at Bellewstown.

A mare who excels with an ease in the ground, the eight-year-old had run well when third over a mile at this track in August.

Smartly into stride under Rory Mulligan, the well backed 4/1 chance tracked Little Keilee in the initial stages of the race.

Pushed along to lead early in the straight, Pimstrel found plenty for pressure, staying on well to hold recent Dundalk winner Rampage by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

George Kingston said: "She has form here before with the Faheys and she has a couple of great runs for Laura Hourigan.

"She was in season, that was my worry but she was in good old form this morning. I was hopeful without being confident.

"She had the ability to do it - it is just once everything was right. She got a good ride and the 7lb claim, so we got the pot and we are delighted.

"Rory is a great chap - I remember him pony racing and he was always very good. I know his dad for years. Since he has gone to Johnny Murtagh, he is tidying up and getting stronger. He judged that perfectly. I'm delighted to see him doing well. I had no hesitation in putting him up, he's a top one.

"She won't go to the all-weather, she might go again at the weekend on soft ground.

"Laura Hourigan offered me this horse and she offered me her again, and she promised me she would definitely do me a turn, so I have to say I owe Laura Hourigan a turn. She was dead on, she knows her job."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.