Laganore swoops to conquer© Photo Healy Racing
Laganore and Fran Berry collared Unyielding and Aussie Valentine in the latter stages of the mile and one handicap in Leopardstown to score by half a length.
The 9/4 shot came with a strong run in the final furlong to mow down her two rivals and beat Unyielding (4/1) into second.
Aussie Valentine, the 5/4 favourite, could give no extra once headed and dropped to third a further three parts of a length away.
Handler Tony Martin said: "She did it well. She always showed us she was a nice filly last year and was a bit unlucky in Galway.
“That was her first time over a mile-and-one. We were hopeful and confident of her getting it but I don't think she'd get another furlong.
“We'll get her home and see what she's like in a couple of weeks time, then take it from there.”
Fran Berry added: "Lovely to get a winner. It made the trip worthwhile especially when you are riding for Tony and Maurice Regan. They are very good supporters of mine in the past.
"She settled very well. First time over the longer trip I wanted to get her settled. They rallied a bit. Maybe the tacky ground just dragged it out of her the last 150 yards but she did enough to win. She's a big scopey filly and there's no reason why she can't keep improving as the year goes on.
And on riding in Britain, Berry said: "Really enjoying it. I'm in Rafe's four mornings a week and getting to know the string and nice to have a couple of winners on the board. Racing starts to get going a bit next week . Signs are good. It's a new challenge and looking forward to the season ahead.
"Sunday's in England are pretty quiet and Navan next Sunday I think Queen Blossom might go for the Salsabil Stakes but I have got to speak to Patrick Prendergast. If anyone wants me I'm more than happy to come."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
