Aunty Audrey (nearest) gets up close home under David Kiely© Photo Healy Racing
The Pat Flynn trained Aunty Audrey got up close home to land the BBQ Evening At Clonmel Races Mares Handicap Hurdle.
A three time winner on the level, the daughter of Zoffany ran well to finish third behind Deilginis at Wexford last month.
She since finished fifth in maiden company at Tramore last Saturday, and was sent off at 9/1 this evening under David Kiely.
Settled behind the leaders, she was ridden in third from two out and powered home from the final flight, getting up in the final strides to prevail by a head. Slainte And Thanks was the one just denied, with Phillip Enright aboard this 7/1 chance for Gareth Ahern. Lucky Phil (14/1) completed the places half a length back in third, while Cailean's Angel backed from 6/1 into 4/1 favouritism on-course, finished sixth.
"She got a bit interfered with coming down the hill and he thought it would cost him the race," Flynn revealed.
"She's a grand little filly, and a good slick jumper.
"She can mix it between hurdles and the Flat, and the ground doesn't really matter to her. She's a hardy little butt of a one, a bit like a flyweight boxer!"
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards fined Andrew Slattery, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Josie Wing in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Josie Wing in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
