Luck played a huge part in the destination of the Gordons Gin Mares Maiden Hurdle as Miss Nomer took full advantage of the last flight fall of Landenstown Lady to collect for Paddy Mangan and Edward O'Grady.
Landenstown Lady, fourth in a Flat maiden at Killarney on Tuesday and making her debut over hurdles, looked all over the winner when travelling well about two lengths up before crashing out at the last.
Thankfully both the daughter of Westerner and rider Davy Condon escaped unscathed but this left the way clear for Miss Nomer (5/1) to hold on by half a length from Elanisa (7/1).
There was a 16 length gap back to long-time leader Charming Blue (16/1) in third.
The O'Grady yard has enjoyed a good run over the past week with four winners from their last six runners, and Mangan commented: “We were a little bit lucky! She jumped alright but a faster pace would have suited her better.”
The four-year-old is owned by a syndicate from The Star newspaper, and one of their number John O'Mahoney made the long trip from Waterford. “I got a text from Edward saying he expected her to run well, so I made the trip up. It took four and a half hours but it's worth it now!”
Alan Magee
