Gold for D'argent in Wexford maiden hurdle

Little King Robin’s sister Regal D’argent caused a 20/1 upset to win the Boolavogue (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Wexford today, for her illustrious sister’s trainer Colin Bowe.

Confined to mares who had been unplaced in at least three previous racecourse outings, point to point winner Regal D’argent was one of the outsiders for the race and looked booked for second place before the home turn, as strong-travelling even money favourite Delayed Eloquence matched at 1.05 in-running. However Regal D’argent, under a fine drive from jockey Paddy Kennedy, responded gamely for pressure and in the end beat the ‘jolly’ by three parts of a length.

There was 44 lengths back to third placed Something Sweet

Both Grade 2 and eight-times winner Little King Robin and Regal D’argent are by King’s Theatre and following the race, trainer Bowe’s assistant Brendan Walsh said “she is living in her sisters shadow, but if she turns out to be half as good as her she’ll be alright and hopefully she will go up through the grades now.

“She’s tough but wasn't madly in love with the ground and in fairness to her, she ground it out the day she won her point-to-point. She stays reasonably well and will improve away with age.

“We'll just see what Noel (O’Brien, handicapper) thinks now before we decide where to go next - hopefully he won't overreact.

“For broodmare purposes, today is a great day - she is owned by Brendan and Mary Fitzpatrick from Straffan and they bred her as well."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy