Molly Kaye and Ben Coen pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Molly Kaye got a deserved success to her name as she ran out a comfortable winner of the Bet With Tote At Ballinrobe Racecourse Apprentice Handicap.
Placed on three of her last four starts, the Shane Duffy trained six-year-old was available at 9/1 this morning, opening on-course at 11/2, before going off a 9/2 joint-favourite.
Settled behind the leaders by Ben Coen, the daughter of Multiplex was pushed along in third with over two furlongs to race.
She soon got a dream run through on the inner and led, keeping on strongly once ridden inside the final furlong, going on to score by four and three parts of a length. Indian Eye (14/1) finished second under Willie Byrne for Jarlath Fahey, while the Charlie O'Dwyer ridden Military Hill (12/1) ran on well to take third, another short head back.
The Joe Murphy trained Swelltime was the other joint-favourite, but he could only manage fifth.
"That was well overdue," said Duffy of the Garry Fleming owned victor.
"She was growing last year and maturing all the time.
"She's a hardened campaigner this year.
"We had a little bit of a worry about the ground but she was due that on form.
"She'll alternate now between the Flat and hurdles.
"You can't beat a bit of luck and this place has been lucky for us.
"Eadbhard won here last year and Akiliyna won her maiden here for us in 2015 by thirteen lengths."
STEWARDS REPORT
At the request of the Stewards, A.J. Slattery, rider of Hit The Rocks trained by Edmond Kent, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped quickly.
At the request of the Stewards, C.G. O'Dwyer, rider of Military Hill, trained by Paul Stafford, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount travelled well, was ridden to get cover, was unable to get a run at the three furlong marker, pulled wide turning for home and ran on well in the straight.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Hit The Rocks, trained by Edmond Kent, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
