Majestic Maid and Shane Fitzgerald © Photo Healy Racing
Just four lined up for the Irish Stallions Farms EBF Mares’ Beginners Chase and Majestic Maid (5s into 10/3 on the show) made all and jumped well for in-form 7lb claimer Shane Fitzgerald.
Everything is going swimmingly at the moment for the Buttevant native who must still be on a high after his Kerry National success on Assemble at Listowel last week.
His mount here had been in action herself at the Harvest Festival when unplaced in a handicap hurdle but that may have served its purpose fitness-wise as, in first-time cheekpieces, she put her chasing experience to good use.
The 1/1 favourite Valentina Lady gave chase turning for home only to weaken tamely soon after, and she had no more to offer when unseating rider at the last.
In the end, Reine Fee filled the runner-up spot, nine lengths off the victorious Shirocco 6-year-old who also has bumper and maiden hurdle wins on her CV.
Winning trainer Michael Kennedy said: “The race cut up. We had the cheekpieces on her today as she's gone lazy in her races and she seemed to travel sweeter today. I'm delighted with her, that was badly wanted.
“She always promised to be a good mare but she just hasn't been firing the last couple of months. Hopefully that will give her a bit of confidence now.
“She's not a big mare, she's only handy, but she's very clever and doesn't waste any energy, she just pops away.
“She's rated 102 over fences and hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on her, he couldn't really with the way the race cut up.
“She has black-type from bumpers already, we wouldn't rule out looking for some over fences in time but she'll have to step up another bit.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
