Busy week for Jessie pays off with gambled-on win Goulane Jessie, out again quick after a Tramore effort on Tuesday, landed a punt in the Happy Christmas From Everyone At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle (DIV II) this afternoon. Backed from around 14/1 in early trading into a returned 5/1, Goulane Jessie, owned and bred by Mary O’Donnell, beat the joint favourites Howaya Aoife and Kayf Thou by a length and a half and four and a half lengths. The Seamus Spillane trained winner, previously a long time maiden, seems to have gained confidence from a point-to-point success achieved at Knockmullen House in New Ross in November. Today the Well Chosen mare tracked the leaders on the inner, and she was third four out. In front from the next Simon Torrens' mount was ridden from two out and she kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong. She had a reduced advantage close home but was always holding on. “I wanted something to take me along a bit further but nothing was really there to do it," said Torrens. “She stayed well enough the last day in Tramore and she felt well after it so she took her chance. “I was probably in front a bit too early. She seems to have a nice mark over hurdles and was idling in front. “I’m based full-time with Aidan Howard on the Curragh. He’s great for giving me chances and opportunities, and has a good team of lads who are good at giving me advice.” The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Castle Canny, trained by B. R. Hamilton, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. C.D. Maxwell, rider of Nomanbehind trained by Anthony Curran, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a very bad mistake at the second last and was pulled up. (AM & EM)
