Lilly The Lioness, second left, toughs it out in Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
The handicapper couldn't have asked for a better finish to the featured Grade C handicap chase in Killarney as four horses jumped the last virtually in unison but it was Lilly The Lioness who stayed on best. Mr Fiftyone picked up the lead before the third last and looked to have plenty in the tank, however, he blundered through the penultimate fence and found himself in a four-way scrap at the last.
On his left was Marvellous Moment while on his right he had Lilly The Lioness and Mister Hotelier
Very little separated the four upon landing but Jack Kennedy got into the drive position on Lilly The Lioness and she responded by edging ahead in the latter stages to score by half a length at 7/1.
Marvellous Moment outran his 33/1 odds to finish second under Phillip Enright with Mister Hotelier (16/1) another length and three parts back in third.
Trainer Garrett Power said: "You could do anything with her - hurdles/fences and back on the flat and she is hardy as nails.
"To be squeezed out going to the last and still win is fantastic. She is better and stronger this year and really enjoys racing.
"Pat (McCarthy, owner) is a brilliant man and to be honest I don't know what I would have done without him over the last number of years as things were quiet - I couldn't be happier for the mare and for Pat, especially, to win a Graded race.
"We'll have a think about Galway with her."
This was a first Graded success for Power.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
