First track double for trainer Roger McGrath

The 11/8 favourite Sweet Street led from an early stage in the mares’ maiden hurdle over three miles and saw out the trip well under Paul Townend.

None the worse for his mishap on Downthecellar (ran out) an hour earlier, the champion jockey had to get busy on the daughter of Sholokhov on the final turn as Belles Benefit threw down a challenge.

The winner was in command after the second last, though, and kept on well to win by a length and a half from Belles Benefit with Dinero Falso in third.

The 6-year-old had been runner-up in similar events at Leopardstown in the spring and more recently at Ballinrobe.

It was a near 17/1 double for winning trainer Roger McGrath after Shanacoole rsquo;s win in the previous contest.

McGrath said: “That’s my first double on the track. It’s not many days that we would have two running on the one day!

“She deserves it and is a very honest and consistent mare. It’s hard enough to win these mares’ races with the bonus and it’s great as we have all the family at home.

“She will probably stay over hurdles and go chasing next year. She stays well and Paul advised me to come here instead of Listowel where there is a two and a half miles mares that I had in the back of my mind.

“My father-in-law John Motherway owns her. I’m based in Aglish which is West Waterford close to the Cork border.”

Quotes from Alan Magee