Williamstowndancer and Danny Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Sent off the outsider of three Willie Mullins-trained representatives, Williamstowndancer bounced back to form in the Grade 3 Boylesports Novice Hurdle.
Successful on her debut over flights at Downpatrick before following-up at Roscommon, the Blackrock Racing Syndicate-owned five-year-old since disappointed behind re-opposing stable companion Arctic Fly at Galway.
Briefly available at 20/1 for this six-runner two-mile affair, the Beat Hollow five-year-old eventually went off a 15/2 chance under Danny Mullins.
In third early on and not fluent at times, she improved into second on the approach to halfway and took over at the head of affairs entering the straight.
Ridden between the final two flights, she stepped at the last but found plenty for pressure on the run-in, coming home two-and-three-parts of a length to the good.
Returned at 11/4, Bialystok also trained by Mullins, tried hard to reel-in the winner on the run-in but ultimately had to settle for second under Paul Townend, while Birdie Or Bust (9/4f) was another length-and-three-parts back in third.
"She has her own method of jumping but it seems to be effective," the winning rider commented.
"I think I got it wrong in Galway the last day and we were hoping a change of tactics might bring out the best in her today.
"She's only small but handles that ground and it's a pleasing performance. It's nice to win a Graded race with her."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Arctic Fly, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
J.W. Kennedy, rider of Samui (GB), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly when it came off the bridle.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
