Queen battles to claim Kilbeggan opener

Queen Of Cool proved a gutsy winner of the opening Pat Doyle Memorial Mares Novice Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Emmet Mullins sent his mount up to challenge at the second last and she knuckled down well to her task.

The Tim Doyle-trained mare asserted on the run-in to record a two-and-a-half length success over Lizzie Bennett

The winner had slipped up last time out at Naas and it was a welcome change of luck for connections.

"It was hard luck at Naas last time when she seemed to be travelling well," said Doyle.

"She's a very consistent mare and has been running well all season. There could be another winners race for her at the next meeting here.

"I'm not sure if it's a winners of one or two but if it's a winners of two she'll be back providing everything is ok."