Dot Love© Photo Healy Racing
Betty Zane one of the final runners for trainer Dot Love as she hands over the licence to her long-time assistant Ciaran Murphy, showed much improved form on her third bumper start after a six-month break when readily landing the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Bumper at Cork.
The application of a hood was notable on the lightly-raced seven-year-old who also benefitted from a fine front-running ride by Aaron Murphy, building up a clear lead straight from flag fall.
Murphy gave the 25/1 chance a breather in the straight as Cute Cherry narrowed the gap to about three lengths over a furlong out but she stayed on strongly again to beat that rival by 11 lengths.
The evens favourite Angels Dawn was a further two lengths away in third.
Love said, "I'm having my last two runners tomorrow if they get the papers right for Ciaran (Murphy) to take over so this is a lovely way to finish.
"I started 20 years ago with a winner so this is a nice way to bow out and I'd like Ciaran to get started. We're doing a role-reversal and I'll be assistant - I'll be the general dog's body and driving the van!
"She is a lovely mare. We brought her schooling two weeks ago and she did it like that and when he gave her a squeeze today she just said "well, I'll go faster!".
"We always thought a bit of her but she had a few issues with her wind so we gave her a long time off and got it fixed.
"It is lovely for the owner and Aaron has been on a good diet to ride her. He rides her at home, gets on well with her and is a top head lad for us. Today's win is an extended family affair."
(TW & AM)
