Jennies Jewel and Mark Fahey© Photo Healy Racing
Jennies Jewel got a nice run up the rail to land the spoils in the concluding bumper at Listowel this afternoon.
Mark Fahey was rowing along on the daughter of Flemensfirth turning for home but she stayed on well to hit the front with a furlong to run.
There has been plenty in with chances early in the straight but Jarlath Fahey's charge proved strongest in the closing stages to record a three length success over Rosaflora
The 11/4 winner had been runner-up at Punchestown when last seen in May and overcame some concerns about her fitness on her return.
“I'm delighted as I've been trying to have a winner down in Listowel for a good while and I've been close on a few occasions. I finally made the breakthrough today with my last runner of the week,” said Fahey.
“It was a good performance but it was probably made a bit easier by the withdrawal of a couple of fancied ones.
“Her form was pretty solid anyway and she was entitled to have a good go at a race of this type.
“She's a mare that's improving and probably has the makings of a decent filly. She'll be better over two-and-a-half miles and she's schooled well over hurdles.
“I was a bit concerned with her fitness levels coming here today on that ground but Mark gave her a lovely ride and hopefully she's one with a future.
“There is the two-mile Listed bumper for mares in Navan in November and we'll maybe wait and chance our arm there for some black-type.”
Fahey also revealed that winning owner Andrew McIntyre is from Naas.
The winning rider is a nephew of the trainer and he added:-
“I'm delighted. She was good and tough. I was lucky to get the break up the rail and she was brave.
“She was good and pricked her ears coming to the line – she had plenty left. She's a nice filly to looks forward to.
“I beat her in Punchestown on one of Mrs Harrington's horses so it's nice that they let me back on her!”
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
