Queally & Hayes on the mark with Gold Isabel's Gold got off the mark on her first try over flights, as she took the Noel Ryan Tree Surgeon Mares Maiden Hurdle. Successful on debut in a point-to-point at Dromahane in May, the John Queally trained bay since ran in three bumpers, finishing ninth of twenty on her last start at Galway. Settled towards rear by Brian Hayes, the Gold Well five-year-old made good progress from four out, and jumped two out in second. She was ridden to the front as they bypassed the last, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by a length and a quarter. Third reserve Famous Day finished second at 11/1, while 66/1 chance Dubai Ash was all of twenty-one lengths back in third. Biddy Be, who was sent off the 4/1 favourite, could only manage a disappointing fourth. There was drama five flights from the finish, with Kilkeashin Molly running out under Andrew Lynch. Thankfully both horse and rider escaped unharmed. Queally said afterwards: "Obviously she wants a jump in front of her. She won a point-to-point and ran reasonably well in a few bumpers. We won't be aiming too high with her. It's great to win at your local track. "She'll probably go handicapping now. She is not that big but she jumps well. "Eoin (Daly), who works with me, is a lucky owner because he also has Getaway Katie Mai. She is back in about a month."
