There was trouble in behind involving the likes of Coillte Cailin and Sophie's World but Shane Foley had Princess Aloof clear of all that and he guided her home by two lengths from Shalamzar in the Hop House 13 Handicap at Galway.

Jessica Harrington owns and trains the victorious Big Bad Bob filly, bred by her late husband Johnny, and after leading entering the straight she stayed on too strongly for all of her rivals.

"She's not very big but she loves it around here and she's run well here before (third twice)," said Mrs Harrington.

"We brought her back to the mile and a bit here and we knew she'd love that.

"Shane (Foley) was mad to ride her, and he said as soon as he pulled her out going down the hill and she met the rising ground, that he knew it would take a fair horse to get past her.

"She's a great filly and has only run one bad race.

"I expect the handicapper might catch up with her but we'll aim for a fillies handicap next."

S. Corby, rider of Sophie's World, trained by Alan Fleming, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount suffered accidental interference and had to check before the turn into the straight.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Cairdiuil trained by I.Madden, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)