A fairytale success for Elvin aboard Snegurochka

Snegurochka (4/1) won for the second time this summer at Down Royal when she battled on bravely to take the concluding Tayto Group Ltd. Mares’ INH Flat Race by a length and a quarter from the 6/4 favourite Jelona

The four-year-old by Elusive Pimpernel, trained near the Curragh by Monica Dowdall Blake, had won under Tom Hamilton here in June before finishing third at Killarney the following month.

Partnered on this occasion by 7lb claiming rider Phidelma Elvin, the winner dug deep to see off the persistent challenge of Jessica Harrington’s newcomer from the family of Jezki.

"I was worried when there was no pace because I would rather have sat in, said the winning rider Phidelma Elvin.

"Everyone told me it is a waiting track - it's actually my first ride around here, so it's my new favourite track in the world!

"When Finny (Maguire) came to me she just kept finding. She battled and it is all credit to Monica for being such a small trainer and to have them right every time.

"I think Monica was confident of that run. She had a brilliant run in defeat when third at Killarney."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham