Priomhbhean showed a welcome return to form, and was backed to do so, when making all and very gamely holding off the challenge of hot-favourite Steps To Freedom in the McEnery Cup Handicap.
Kevin Manning sent the 7/1 (from 12's) chance straight into the lead at a good clip, and built up a six length advantage before halfway.
However it appeared as thought the writing was on the wall as Steps To Freedom (5/4) reeled in the front-runner early in the straight to draw alongside over a furlong out.
The Galileo filly, a four-time winner last year, was not to be out-done, and she dug deep in the closing stages to hold on by half a length. The pair drew eight lengths clear of Rising Wind (16/1) in third.
Cnocandancer was a non-runner due to the ground conditions, and the field was further reduced to just seven after Plum Sugar was withdrawn at the start on veterinary advice. A Rule 4 deduction of 5c in the € was applied to all bets.
Winning trainer Jim Bolger said, “She'll probably be given a nice bit (by the handicapper) for that. She's been a while finding her form this year but has found it now. We'll try to find a bit of black type for her now before the year is out.”
Alan Magee
