Fowler thrilled as Politesse lands Connacht National

Politesse (11/2) made a successful handicap debut when prominent throughout under Conor Orr in the featured Tote Connacht National.

The half-sister to Don Poli disputed the lead until going on before halfway. She put in a good round of jumping, albeit out to her left at a few, and stayed on well in the home straight to beat Popong and Snugsborough Hall by a length and three quarters and a neck.

It was a fourth career win for the daughter of Beat Hollow who won a beginners' chase at Punchestown a little over a year ago.

There were five non-runners but only two of them were on account of the ground.

Winning trainer Lorna Fowler said: “I never had so much pleasure in seeing a horse back to winning ways.

“She has her problems and took a while to come back after unseating at Cork. We've just been trying to build her confidence to get her back here.

“Everything was perfect, she loves that good ground and loves to have them chasing her. Conor was really good on her today, he always is to be fair.

“That was her back at her best and I'm very proud of her today.

“She's got the class but it's taken a long time to get here. Nothing went her way in Killarney (behind Easy Game) in what was essentially a Grade 1 race.

“Hopefully that will fill her with confidence. I don't know what we'll do next but she'll definitely keep running."

Quotes from Gary Carson