Maggie Walsh and Cian Quirke win the Comeragh handicap Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
The Bowe family colours, which will forever be remembered by racing legends such as Limestone Lad and Solerina, made a welcome return to the winners' enclosure when Maggie Walsh stayed on strongly to claim the Comeragh Wildlife Park Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.
A winner at Fairyhouse in January, the six-year-old had disappointed on three subsequent starts but was right back to her best on this return from a three month break.
Travelling easily running down into the dip, the mare led before the last flight and had enough in reserve to see off the late challenge of Wendell's Lass
Trainer Michael Bowe said: "She won her maiden hurdle on heavy ground and today was very good ground, so she is versatile. She was carrying condition after a bit of a break, which did her the world of good. Some people even asked me was she in-foal. That's just her build though, she is a deep girthed mare.
"She has a bit of quality and a bit of class. When you get a good Dylan Thomas they are real good, but when you get a bad one they are real bad. At least you know where you stand with them!
"She done a lot of schooling in Johnstown on Michelle Gannon's gallop. She tanked it up that gallop a few times. She was much better doing her homework and wasn't bringing it to the track. She is bringing it to the track now though.
"She will keep going for the summer, as she is health and sound. She is a lovely mare to have and is a great character. She has a big white face, you'd see her coming, she is flashy."
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
