Royal comes good on handicap debut

The Willie Mullins-trained Raving Royal popped up at 28/1 to open her account on her handicap debut at Thurles this afternoon.

The Kingman filly had shaped with promise in a couple of maidens but had been well beaten at Galway last month when fading tamely.

She was held up by Seamie Heffernan this afternoon and came to challenge passing the two pole in the mile-and-a-half contest.

After taking a narrow lead a furlong-and-a-half from home the Barnane Stud-owned filly stuck on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter victory over Zoffman

"I spoke to Willie - her first run was eye-catching and he said to take my time and ride her with confidence, and if I got things right I'd win and I did,” revealed Heffernan.

"When you are riding for Willie Mullins and he gives you the confidence to take your time, if you take your time they usually come good. It is nice to be getting good rides and she could improve with time.

"She got back to the form of her first run today, I got there very easy and she is a beautiful mover and is very well bred. She might need a little more time to see her full potential."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)