Queenship rules supreme on return to action

Queenship scooted clear to win in impressive style in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap at Gowran.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly was settled mid-division by Mikey Sheehy in the seven-furlong contest before launching a challenge a furlong-and-a-half from home.

She hit the front passing the furlong pole and soon settled matters as she went on to record a cosy five length success at odds of 3/1 (11/2 in morning).

Fellow 3/1 joint-favourite Elizabethan stayed on to win the battle for second after meeting some traffic problems.

Queenship was last seen landing a Dundalk maiden in December and was making just her third career start on her handicap debut.

Assistant Brendan Powell said afterwards:- “She can be a bit keen and that’s her first time on the grass. I’d say she was better there than she was in Dundalk.

“Mikey said she travelled well and once he gave her a squeeze she quickened up well. She put her head down and is a very genuine filly.

“There is no reason why she shouldn’t get some black type now and I’d say that will be the aim with her.

“She’s coped with that ground — it’s quite tacky out there but she glided through it.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)