Beauparc and Colin Keane right win the Suir Blueway Handicap from Jeaniemacaroney.© Photo Healy Racing
Beauparc belied both her relative inexperience and a notable drift in the betting to make a winning start to life in handicap company in the Suir Blueway Handicap at Clonmel.
Having just her fourth career start following three decent efforts in maiden company, the daughter of Free Eagle was well supported throughout the morning, touching 5-2 at one stage. However, those that availed of such prices must have been questioning that decision as the Gerry Keane trained runner drifted right out to 8-1 at the off.
Held up in rear during the opening stages, Colin Keane moved closer into mid division early in the straight, as Medici Pass threw down a challenge to long time leader Jeaniemacaroney However, as the latter found extra to brush aside that threat, Beauparc emerged on the outside to draw level.
For a few strides it appeared as though greenness would prove her downfall but the filly quickened up in impressive fashion to run out a neck winner.
Winning trainer Gerry Keane: "We thought she wanted a mile-plus but weren't sure about going 1m1f straightaway (in handicaps) but there were no races for her. We took a chance and put her in today and looking at that she will get 1m2f.
"She is a lovely filly, is still weak and next year will be her year I'd say. I was very happy with the way she did it in the end and having won by only a neck, I don't think she she'll get a big hike for that.
"The family were all difficult and she has the best temperament of the whole lot. Secret Pulse would kill you trying to saddle her but this filly is totally different and it's probably due to the sire Free Eagle. The others were difficult to break and ride and you couldn't put just anybody on them.
"Hopefully she keeps going now and that might be it for this year now as she has done her job."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
