Costanuci makes the most of her opportunity

After getting in as third reserve, Costanuci justified plenty of market support in the Kerry Group Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle.

A winner at Tramore in June and not beaten far in two starts since, the John Queally-trained six-year-old was available at 10/1 in early shows for this two-and-a-half mile contest, eventually going off the 11/4 favourite.

In a race depleted by non-runners, the Doyen victor raced towards rear under Danny Gilligan, making gradual progress on the final circuit.

Sent to the front two out, she went a few lengths clear on the approach to the last and could afford to be eased down in the closing stages, with a length-and-a-half the margin of victory.

The easy-to-back Sea Aster (9/1 from 5s) kept on well to take second under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott, while Fizzle Rock (14/1) was a further three-and-a-half lengths away in third.

"She is what she is but had been running consistently all summer. She was back up in distance from her Tramore run and the second horse won yesterday," Queally said of the Kieran McHugh owned victor.

"She got in early this morning and it is great as I like having winners here.

"I didn't look beyond today but she will get three miles and will jump a fence but not until next year."

Gilligan, recording his first success since returning after a month long absence, added: "The shoulder seems fine after my first day back at Ballinrobe on Friday and touch wood I'll stay in one piece for the future."

STEWARDS REPORTS

G.B. Noonan, rider of Rathnaleen Kal trained by Eoin Christopher McCarthy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was lame on pulling up.

K.E Buckley, rider of Call Her Now trained by Mrs Lorna Fowler, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly after the third last hurdle.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes