Tropical Three (left) stays on best in the closing stages to see off Little King Robin© Photo Healy Racing
Tropical Three stayed on best after the last to land the ITBA Fillies Scheme Hurdle under Barry Geraghty (celebrating his 34th birthday today) for Michael Hourigan.
Second in this race last year, the well-bred five-year-old daughter of Portrait Gallery was 10/3 this morning with Paddy Power but that price was quickly snapped up and she opened on-course at just 7/4 before going off the clear 13/8 favourite.
Having chased the leaders throughout, she was pushed along as they turned for home with Little King Robin a few lengths in front.
The grey Mary Curtin owned victor was driven out by Barry Geraghty in the straight and she kept on best after the last, hitting the front on the run-in, going on to score by a length and a half.
Little King Robin ran a game race to finish second at 8/1 under Barry O’Neill for Colin Bowe, while Lady Of Glencoe was a further two and a half lengths back in third under Bryan Cooper for Dessie Hughes at 14/1.
Michael Hourigan said afterwards: "I think she is a very good filly and Barry said it was her class that won it for her. She was going away at the line.
"I’ve had a few of the family, including Tropical Lake, and that is why I bought her in the first place.
"She is crying out for further and for fences and she is not a mare you have to kill with work."
After the race the Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Chiltern Hills trained by Willie Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race with a nasal discharge.
Ruby Walsh, rider of Chiltern Hills, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was never travelling.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
