Western Victory and Declan Queally© Photo Healy Racing
Western Victory rallied gamely to claim the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon.
Jockey/trainer Declan Queally bounced out in front on the Westerner mare and she soon opened up a healthy lead in the three-miler.
11/8 favourite Minx Tiara ate into her lead before the straight and looked set for victory after hitting the front going to the second last.
The new leader started to tire on the run to the final flight, however, as Western Victory dug deep to lead again over the hurdle.
Mink Tiara had no more to offer on the run-in as the long-time leader asserted again to post an 11-length success at odds of 85/40.
"She is going to Cheltenham next week to be sold as a broodmare or maybe more fun for her new owner,” revealed Queally.
“Sean (O'Neill) is an elderly man and doesn't want to breed off her but if you're looking for a tough, versatile racehorse to breed off, this is the one you want.
"She is unbelievable and it could possibly be her last run for me but if her new owner wanted to race her on, fair enough and I'd be glad to keep her.
"With the good Tim Conroy pedigree line, you'd imagine she'd be valuable for breeding."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
