Odds-on favourite Leblon (4/5) needed strong driving from jockey Sean McDermott to narrowly win the Elvis Tribute Show Mares Hurdle at Downpatrick this evening.

The daughter of Dansili was off the bridle for much of the way but responded well to eventually get her head in front after the last to hold the challenge of Brave Beauty

Afterwards winning trainer John O’Shea stated “Leblon didn’t handle the track at all but her class got her through. She’ll mix it between Flat and hurdles and a step up in trip is likely.”

Thomas Weekes