Donal Murphy
Princess beats the boys under Orr for Love
Presentingprincess takes off at the last under Conor Orr
© Photo Healy Racing
Three time point-to-point winner Presentingprincess made the breakthrough on her sixth start over flights, as she took the galwayraces.com Maiden Hurdle.
Also successful in a bumper at Limerick in July, the Dot Love trained seven-year-old went down by just a neck and short head on her most recent outing at Listowel.
Available at 9/1 in early shows, the Presenting brown opened on-course at 7/1, before going off an 11/2 chance against her seven gelding rivals.
Settled in second, she improved to the front two out, and kept on well under pressure from the last, going on to score by a length and a half under Conor Orr. Ozzie's Way (9/1) finished second under Denis Hogan, while Kaatskill Nap (6/4 in early shows, returned at 3/1) was a nose back in third.
The Willie Mullins trained latter made a mistake at the second last, and that may have cost him the race. Batcio was sent off a well-backed 6/4 favourite (7/2 in early shows), and he finished a disappointing fourth, fading from two out after attempting to make all.
Ciaran Murphy, assistant trainer to Dot Love, said: "We were obviously worried about coming from Listowel so quick but it was a nice opportunity for her today and she took it well.
"She stays well, loves the test of stamina, and the juice in the ground. She is very genuine and we have a bumper and hurdle won now so the pressure is off.
"She wants three miles plus and down the road over fences there may be a nice opportunity for her."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Knocknarae King trained by Brian M. McMahon was found to have an exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage post race.
Mr E. Mahon, rider of Knocknarae King trained by Brian M. McMahon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes