Mary Cassatt outstays rivals

Third in a Kilbeggan handicap on her previous start, Mary Cassatt (15/2) appreciated the step up in trip to 2m6f in the Killarney Racegoers Club Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Having raced in mid-division, the John McConnell-trained filly moved into fifth on the outer before three out.

After hitting the front on the approach to the final flight, she forged clear to beat the 6/4 favourite Knockanard Lady by six lengths.

Winning rider Alex Harvey said: “She had a lovely run around Kilbeggan the last day where the trip was probably a bit short for her. She’s a small mare but she needs a trip.

“They went a nice gallop but she never really travelled with me. She jumped away and crept into it. I knew the leaders would come back to me and when I got stuck into her she really picked up.

“She’s a filly that won over 1m5f in France and when she wasn’t travelling with me I knew something was wrong. I just let her go at the pace she wanted. She’s very genuine.

“That’s my sixth winner on the track.”

Quotes from Alan Magee