Amor Verdadero makes the breakthrough

Amor Verdadero got a deserved win to her name in the opener at Bellewstown, the Western Motors Skoda Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Previously trained by Liam Lennon, the daughter of Jeremy finished fourth on her debut for Gordon Elliott at Downpatrick in May, before filling the runner-up spot on her next three starts.

Sent off at 3/1 today, the Christina O'Connor owned five-year-old raced in second early on, before improving to lead after the third.

Not fluent at times, the Davy Russell ridden victor was briefly challenged from two out but found plenty under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by three lengths. Cotton End (7/1) came through to take second under Danny Mullins for his mother Mags, while Kaletto (5/1) was a further length and a quarter back in third.

The Willie Mullins trained Miss Chevious Lady was returned the 2/1 favourite and she finished a disappointing seventh.

"She's a grand honest mare and was entitled to do that," said Elliott.

"She's probably one that we could bring to the north of England and try and win a novice hurdle with.

"It's the first horse that the owner has had with us and they are having a bit of fun so it's great.

"She's been knocking on the door a few days so she deserved to win."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Miss Chevious Girl trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.

At the request of the Stewards, P. Townend, rider of Miss Chevious Girl, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount showed little interest in running early on and missed some hurdles. He said his mount briefly travelled turning for home, but came off the bridle quickly in the closing stages and was eased. He concluded by saying that he should have pulled up rather than jumping the last.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson