Queen follows up with game victory

Kilganer Queen followed up her recent Sligo success in the David Heneghan Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Brian Hayes was in the plate today and made progress from mid-division on the 8/1 shot to chase the leaders over the second last.

The Denise O'Shea-trained mare challenged over the final flight and got to the front on the run-in to record a game success.

Well-backed 4/1 favourite Eiri Na Casca (8/1 this morning) finished well from the rear to get within half a length of the winner.

"That was brilliant and to be fair to Brian Hayes he gave her an absolutely fantastic ride. He has ridden a couple of times for me and he is a very under-rated jockey,” said O'Shea.

"She is not easy and you have to tip away with her and not every jockey can do it and to be fair to Rachael (Blackmore, winning jockey previously) and Brian they are the winning of her.

"I said before Sligo she would go chasing but I spotted this race and said we'd lob her in! She could go chasing now though and I can't wait to get her chasing."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)