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Leah's Contessa provides Collins with first winner for Breslin

Leah's Contessa (Tiernan Power Roche) survives a mistake at the lastLeah's Contessa (Tiernan Power Roche) survives a mistake at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Leah’s Contessa took advantage of a drop in class to land the CCR Raceday Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

This 2m4f event was for horses who had run at least three times under NH rules and hadn’t finished in the first three under either code, and the Cian Collins-trained mare had shown some promise in three maiden hurdle starts.

The 5/1 chance travelled well to head the front-running O’Bon Pardon after two out and despite a mistake at the final flight, kept on well on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter in the hands of Tiernan Power Roche. I Ballyadam Moon kept on well in second with a gap of six and a half lengths back to The Dawn in third.

Collins said, "That was very good. I thought she might be doing a bit too much during the race, she didn’t settle very well but she still found plenty off it and it was a nice performance.

“I’d say she was just getting lonely in front at the last, she’s never jumped a hurdle in front on her own before.

“That’s my first winner for John (Breslin). I met him in Galway last year and he said he’d give me a couple of horses. She’s the only horse that I’ve ran for him.

“He bred it himself so fair play to him, he’s delighted. It’s nice to see a home-bred winning for him.

“She’s only a handy filly but she’s hardy. She stays well and jumps well so hopefully there is more to come from her.”

Quotes by Gary Carson

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.

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