Burlesque Queen puts her best foot forward Burlesque Queen (8/1) rallied to great effect in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Leopardstown. The six-year-old mare, in the first-time hood, chased Western Boy into the home straight as the pair had the race to themselves at that stage. Western Boy (18/1) looked to have her measure coming to the last but James O'Sullivan switched his mount out for a renewed effort. She took aim and collared the leader inside the final furlong. From there she proved her mettle and stuck to her task to win by a length and a half. Difficult Decision (16/1) was 22 lengths behind runner-up Western Boy in third. Handsworth (101 - 6/1) came in another four and a half lengths down in fourth. Trainer Liz Doyle said: “I'm very proud of her. She's very small, barely 15-3. “We went up plenty in the weights last year and when you start off 81 you tend to think that's it. “She didn't settle last year but as she's gone on she's started to drop the bridle. “The good pace today really suited and James gave her a beautiful ride, he does get on well with her. “I tried ear plugs in her and it probably annoyed her. She had a first-time hood today but her improvement is purely due to settling and having a good gallop.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
