Well-bred mare Imperial Choice gets her day in the sun A beaten favourite on her last four starts Imperial Choice finally got her turn in the Waterford Mares Handicap Hurdle at Tramore. Charles Byrnes’ charge arrived at the Waterford venue searching for a first win in eighteen outings between the Flat and jumps. Second market choice at 7/2 on this occasion the Cathal Landers-ridden daughter of New Approach and Italian Group One winner, Eva’s Request, raced in the rear of mid-division and made a slight mistake at the fourth. Making headway from three out she was pushed along in fourth before two out. Soon challenging in second Imperial Choice was ridden to lead at the last, staying on well inside the final furlong to beat pace-setter Elegant Lass by two and three parts of a length. It was the same distance back to Pretty Fantasy in third. "She ran a great race the last day and I thought I could turn the tables on Rachael's horse (Cornerkova) today,” said Landers. “She just got touched off here last August when Kevin Brouder rode her and she ran a great race that day as well. “Going forward she might get a bit further, she could step up to two miles three or that. Charles has been good to me and whatever I get asked to ride I ride." The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cornerkova, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Rachael Blackmore, rider of Cornerkova trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount stopped very quickly and was pulled up. (DM & EM)
