Valentana (inside) comes home in front of Full Shilling (noseband), Lady Ranger (yellow) and True Companion (blinkers)© Photo Healy Racing
After winning the third with Ostatnia Willie McCreery and Billy Lee doubled-up in the seventh, the second divide of the Dan Dooley Ford Centre Handicap, as Valentana recorded her first career success.
A good third to Three Bells at Down Royal on her last start, the four-year-old daughter of Haatef was sent off at 7/1 this evening (from 8's).
Settled towards rear, she still had plenty to do from the two furlong pole, but she was soon pushed along and went sixth on the inner.
She was ridden with over a furlong to go, and stayed on best to lead in the closing stages, going on to score by half a length. Full Shilling (12/1), who hit the front over a furlong out, had to settle for second under Declan McDonogh for Pat Mooney, while Lady Ranger (9/1) was a short head back in third under Conor Hoban for Peter McCreery. True Companion (25/1) completed the placings a further two lengths back in fourth under Chris Hayes for Adrian Joyce. Lily's Prince was sent off the 4/1 favourite and he finished fifth with Colin Keane in the saddle for Garvan Donnelly.
Willie McCreery said afterwards: "That was good and I'm delighted for her owner John Liggett.
"Bill gave her a great ride - he was drawn two but was slotted back early on but he obviously knew what he was doing.
"She deserved it and will go for something similar next."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
