Billy's Hope is ridden out by Kate Harrington© Photo Healy Racing
Billy's Hope provided Kate and Jessica Harrington with their second bumper success in as many days as she claimed the Blackhills (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
Successful with newcomer Our Duke yesterday, the mother and daughter team again combined to good effect with this daughter of King's Theatre.
Second on two of her three starts before today, she was sent off a 4/1 chance (was available at 7's last night).
Having raced mainly in fourth she came with her challenge on the outer as they turned into the straight, and she hit the front with a furlong and a half to race.
She was soon ridden and kept on well under pressure to score by two and a half lengths. Coeur Joyeux was sent off the 5/2 favourite and he finished second under Donagh Meyler for Sandra Hughes.
Newcomer Cherokee Bill (6/1) completed the placings a further four and a half lengths back in third under Nina Carberry for Noel Meade. Babbling Stream for Patrick and Willie Mullins, was sent off an 11/4 chance and he ran out early on.
Jessica Harrington said afterwards: "It's great she's won as she was just beaten the last day. She's a beautifully bred filly.
"She may pull out again for the mares listed bumper at Navan although it might come a bit too quick.
"She loves that ground, that's what she needs. She won well and was doing nothing in front.
"The owners (the Flyers Syndicate) also have Cailin Annamh and it was a similar syndicate that had Macs Joy. It's great for them. She's a lovely filly and they lease her."
The winner is a half-sister to Grade 1 winners One Cool Cookie and In Compliance.
STEWARDS REPORT
Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Babbling Stream (GB), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount cocked his jaw and ran out.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
