Brianna Lily off the mark over hurdles

Brianna Lily was a decisive winner of the the three-mile handicap hurdle at Clonmel for Pat Foley and Mark McDonagh.

A course bumper winner last summer, the daughter of Shirocco raced close to the pace and was sent on approaching two out. The six-year-old, declared over 2m4f at Gowran tomorrow, quickly settled matters and came home seven and a half lengths in front of Flemensreva  

Foley remarked: "She has always been a good jumper but has been slow to come to hand although cheekpieces have made a big difference to her. Even in her bumpers she raced idly and while you can't get away with that over hurdles, cheekpieces have sharpened her up.

"The step up in trip was also a big help but she is better going left-handed. She hung badly in a maiden hurdle at Limerick once but as long as you leave her alone, she is fine. She hung left on that bend twice today but once Mark left her alone she was okay.

"I don't think the handicapper can be too hard on her with the way the race cut up and she might go again."

Quotes from Tom Weekes