Pearl shines as Pakora flops

Pearl Of The West sprang a surprise in the Racing Post Mares Hurdle, comfortably getting the better of the 1/5 favourite Pakora

Successful in a Listed contest at Galway on her last start, the Willie Mullins trained market leader was widely expected to make it three from three over flights today.

However, the John McConnell trained victor had other ideas as she made all under Mark Bolger, powering clear of the favourite from the second last, going on to score easily by ten lengths in the colours of owner Derek Kierans.

Pakora had to settle for second under Paul Townend, while Feeling The Love (7/1) was another twelve lengths back in third.

"I'm surprised as all the talk was about the other horse (Pakora)," said McConnell who was recording his eighth winner of the month.

"She's a decent filly and she came up against a well-handicapped horse, I thought, in Perth.

"That was the best exhibition of jumping she has put in. That's the thing about four-year-olds, there is room for improvement with them.

"She seems to be getting better and it's a nice little pot to win. We might go for the Lartigue with her although I don't know what the handicapper is going to do to us now. She likes the ground and it will be ground dependent.

"It's hard to evaluate that race. Either the two behind have run below form or she's run very well. I'd say to Sandy Shaw (the handicapper) that the two of them have run below par!

"She's a decent filly in her own right. She's 85 on the Flat so is entitled to be what she is over hurdles and she tries."

When it was suggested she might try and get some black-type McConnell said:-

"Possibly. At that rating you're talking about that. I haven't thought beyond today, possibly the Lartigue but that's ground dependent as she doesn't want much ease."

STEWARDS REPORTS

P. Townend, rider of Pakora (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was beaten three out and never picked up.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Pakora (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson