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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Highly-strung Jolie Jewel springs 50/1 surprise

Sat 11th May 2024, 16:47

Excitable Jolie Jewel in the winners' enclosureExcitable Jolie Jewel in the winners' enclosure
© Photo Healy Racing

Keyed up Jolie Jewel sprang a 50/1 surprise to win Cork's Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Mares) Maiden Hurdle today, scoring for trainer Brian McMahon, jockey Philip Enright and owner William Slattery.

French-bred and out of a half-sister to Cheltenham Cross-Country Chase winner Easysland, Jolie Jewel was a handful before, during and after today's race but having been anchored mid-pack, quickened well to lead jumping the last, beating Cast A Spell by 2.5 lengths.

Trainer McMahon kept Jolie Jewel under control in the winners' enclosure, with Enright reporting “she is highly strung and can be hard on herself but between Brian and John (Staunton), who helps him, they switched her off as well as they could.”

He added “I rode her in a few bits of work during the winter so knew her and Brian had her in great shape today. In fairness to her she jumped and travelled well and did everything right.

“The lads were happy she had stepped forward from Leopardstown, which was a lovely first run, and we knew she'd like the drier ground. We were hopeful of a good run but it was hard to be confident. If she can step forward again from today it would be great.”

About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.