Little Queenie and Robert Whearty win at the Curragh for trainer Paul Flynn © Photo Healy Racing
The Paul Flynn trained Little Queenie recorded her third success for the Longford based man when running out a gutsy winner of the concluding Sheehy Motors Skoda Handicap at the Curragh.
A tough, consistent front runner, the daughter of Camacho split a couple of these rivals when just denied in a premier handicap at Cork last time.
Although raised 3lb subsequently, the four-year-old actually met the opposition on better terms here once taking her riders claim into account.
Smartly away as per usual, the Flynn trained filly cut out the early running alongside Dun Na Sead before getting to the front over a furlong out. As the latter weakened close home, it was the Johnny Murtagh trained Silmaniya who threw down the final challenge.
“She's just getting stronger now and quicker. A good stiff five is probably ideal with a little bit of juice, as she doesn't like it too quick,” said Paul Flynn.
“We had a few different options and went for the slightly better race. It was great to see her winning it.
“She's a really tough filly, she finishes second a good bit and that's by far her best performance.
“Robert gave her a great ride, he has one winner left on his 7lb claim so he's great value for the claim. Hopefully he can lose that tomorrow for me!
“He's a great young lad and rides well. I told him not to take on Dun Na Sead today, just come with one rattle, and he followed the tactics perfectly.
“It's great to win here at the Curragh but the only disappointing thing is the prize-money, it should be better.
“It's a 0-100 handicap and the winner is only getting 12 grand. It sounds a lot but for that calibre of race it should be a lot more.
“If you want the horses to stay in Ireland we need more money for these types of races, especially at the Curragh with a Group 1 on the same day.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
