Excitable Jolie Jewel in the winners' enclosure© Photo Healy Racing
Keyed up Jolie Jewel sprang a 50/1 surprise to win Cork's Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Mares) Maiden Hurdle today, scoring for trainer Brian McMahon, jockey Philip Enright and owner William Slattery.
French-bred and out of a half-sister to Cheltenham Cross-Country Chase winner Easysland, Jolie Jewel was a handful before, during and after today's race but having been anchored mid-pack, quickened well to lead jumping the last, beating Cast A Spell by 2.5 lengths.
Trainer McMahon kept Jolie Jewel under control in the winners' enclosure, with Enright reporting “she is highly strung and can be hard on herself but between Brian and John (Staunton), who helps him, they switched her off as well as they could.”
He added “I rode her in a few bits of work during the winter so knew her and Brian had her in great shape today. In fairness to her she jumped and travelled well and did everything right.
“The lads were happy she had stepped forward from Leopardstown, which was a lovely first run, and we knew she'd like the drier ground. We were hopeful of a good run but it was hard to be confident. If she can step forward again from today it would be great.”
