Presenting Doyen and Rachael Blackmore head Effernock Fizz close home in Killarney feature. © Photo Healy Racing
Presenting Doyen led home a 1-2 for Kerry born trainer Cian Collins when getting the better of her shorter priced stablemate Effernock Fizz in the featured Irish Stallion Mares EBF Mares Hurdle in Killarney.
The latter, who had won the Welsh Champion Hurdle last October was much the best of these on official ratings but drifted in the betting as support arrived for the Sam Curling trained Troubled Times
As per usual, Effernock Fizz blazed the trail out in front, soon building up a commanding lead. Troubled Times gave chase in a remote second over half-a-mile out, with the race looking between that pair.
However, Blackmore played a patient waiting game on Presenting Doyen, gradually moving closer as the front pair came off the bridle early in the straight.
Troubled Times had no more to offer before the final flight but Presenting Doyen came through from off the pace to head her stablemate and go away to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
Cian Collins said: “That was fantastic. It was just the way the race panned out and the ride Rachael gave her won the race. They went an awful gallop in front and they all died off, and Rachael came through.
“It’s the way Effernock Fizz wins races but it just worked out in Presenting Doyen’s favour today. The owners are from Kerry, so it’s brilliant for them.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
