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Punchestown 2024
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Mark Nunan
Bargain buy bolts up for Smith in Cork finale
International Lady (near side) is clear of the field under Colin Keane
© Photo Healy Racing
The field split into three groups in the concluding Mallow Handicap and on this occasion the far side had it as International Lady (8s into 5/1) ran out an easy winner.
The first-time blinkered daughter of Showcasing travelled well throughout, led over a furlong from home and Colin Keane(doubling up after Kailash earlier) was able to sit up on her throughout the last hundred yards.
Two and a half lengths and a head were the margins of victory in the end over Abogados (15/2) and Faraway Dreams (25/1).
Having cost E68,000 at the 2019 Orby Sale, the winner was unplaced in four starts for Richard Fahey before being bought by current connections for just E1,500 in October. She ran with a little bit of promise in two starts at Dundalk over the winter.
Winning trainer Kevin Smith said: “She was a bargain buy and my father (also Kevin) bought her and he is a dab hand at picking up cheap horses and doing well with them.
"She is a bit leery but is as genuine as they come and might still be a bit green.
"Colin said she did that well and is hopeful for her."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes