Fleur De Nuit foils Marchese Marconi

Hat-trick seeking Marchese Marconi was no match for Fleur De Nuit who powered home in the mile and six handicap at Listowel.

The eight-year-old daughter of Montjeu had been third at Leopardstown and second at Clonmel on her last two starts and they had evidently brought her to the boil for today’s assignment.

The 4/1 shot ridden by Declan McDonogh beat 10/11 favourite Marchese Marconi by two and a half lengths after picking up the lead from her main rival under two furlongs out.

“I was very disappointed with her the last day, but we’ll see what the handicapper does after that,” trainer John Bleahen said.

“She may run in a mile and six handicap at Leopardstown on Friday or a mile and six Listed race there (Saval Beg Stakes). She’s entitled to a shot at blacktype.

“The race was run perfectly to suit her. The ground has dried out. It’s better than its description.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes