Reglisse was much too good for Starbright & Sharkayla (green) at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Nicely-supported second favourite Sharkayla looked to have the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden 'in the bag' before 'dying a death' in the final furlong. The Lady O'Reilly-owned pair Reglisse (Shane Foley) and Starbright were strongest when it mattered most with the former prevailing by three and a quarter lengths.
Also at Leopardstown, three weeks back, Reglisse displayed the promise that led to many fancying her chances for this seven furlong event. However she was only third choice in the betting here behind the aforementioned Sharkayla and the well-backed but disappointing favourite, Ballydoyle debutante, Snow Queen (a moderate 5th).
The promising Starbright is trained by 80th 'birthday boy' Kevin Prendergast whilst the victorious Reglisse is handled by Eddie Lynam.
Lynam said: "She did it well. I call her Kate Moss at home as she doesn't eat much.
"She's learning as she goes along – she was very stupid the first day.
"Given her pedigree we'll probably look to get black-type for her." (GC & EM)
