Swedish rider Josephine Chini is all smiles after scoring aboard Melanna© Photo Healy Racing
The Longines World Fegentri Championship For Lady Riders Handicap was run in a downpour, and it was Melanna (9/1) under Swedish rider Josephine Chini who came out on top for in-form trainer James Barrett.
Barrett, who won this race last year with Three Colours Red, was successful earlier in the week with Lake George at Tipperary on Tuesday, and Shes An Art at Killarney yesterday.
Having led in the early stages, the daughter of Camacho was headed five furlongs out. She regained the lead with over two furlongs to race, and kept on well from there, going on to score by three lengths. Placere who was sent off the 11/8 favourite, ran on well from the rear, but she couldn't get by the winner, and had to settle for second under Nina Carberry for Dick Brabazon.
The front two went nineteenth lengths clear of Alnahar (8/1) who was third under American rider Sarah Shaffer for trainer Natalia Lupini.
Barrett said afterwards: "The ground was a big factor. I knew she would be very competitive off her mark.
"I fancied her in Roscommon but she was unlucky in running as she got caught in a pocket.
"She was second in a decent maiden here last year on that type of ground.
"Everything fell right for her today. She got a super ride from Josephine who kept things simple."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
