Mrs Watson (nearest) beats Full Noise© Photo Healy Racing
There was drama at the final flight in the Tipperary Handicap Hurdle as hotpot Full Noise blundered and handed the advantage to Mrs Watson who recorded a gutsy success.
The eventual winner had made most of the running in the race, run over just shy of two-and-a-half miles, and had Full Noise for company for most of the trip.
It looked to be going to plan for the 1/3 shot as he went to front at the second last flight and soon grabbed a couple of lengths lead.
The Ronan McNally-trained favourite got the final flight all wrong, however, with Mrs Watson sticking on gamely to get to the front again on the run-in, under Jack Foley.
Peter Croke 's mare pulled out plenty late on to secure a three-parts-of-a-length win at odds of 14/1.
Mrs Watson, fifth on her most recent outing at Tramore on New Year's Day, was recording a first career success.
"She is a grand big mare who had a good run five days ago but didn't have a hard race. She is a fair mare who loves that ground and Jack gave her a great ride,” said Croke.
"We had a few niggly problems with her at the start but she always showed a nice bit and I think it's down to the ground today.
"I have a couple for the track and a few nice point to pointers."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
