Esthers Marvel (left)© Photo Healy Racing
There was another turn-up for the books in the mares' beginners chase with 22/1 chance Esthers Marvel rallying under Darragh O'Keeffe to get the better of flattering odds-on favourite Brave Way
The latter looked set for victory when going a few lengths clear of the always-prominent Esthers Marvel on the run to the last but slowed into it and found little on the run-in. The winner stayed on well to regain the lead in the final furlong with Brave Way beaten a length and a quarter at the line. It was the same distance back to third home Two Shoe Tom
A 22-race maiden over hurdles, the nine-year-old winner had finished fifth on chase debut at Cork when last in action back in November.
Winning trainer Ken Budds said: “She deserved that. She jumped very well and really she should have been running over fences last year but she had leg trouble before and I didn’t want to risk her until I knew she would get a season under her belt.
“She’s a way better mare over fences. I thought it might be a bit short for her but they went quick enough.
“I thought she was beat turning in but she’s tough. She likes that ground and hopefully she’ll get another one.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
