Winters works his magic again at Ballybrit

It's ten years since Robbie Power won the Galway Plate on Nearly A Moose but just a year since Mick Winters landed the Guiness Galway Hurdle with Rebel Fitz The latter won again today and Winters made it back-to-back successes in the richly-endowed Ladies Day highlight as 'Puppy' Power guided Missunited to an impressive win in the two miler. Miley Shah made the pace until he cried enough going down the hill. There were a few with chances then but Missunited, the big ante-post mover, led soon after two out before powering on to slam Flaxen Flare by three and three parts of a length.

Willie Mullins filled the next two placings with Make Your Mark and Drive Time whilst Dermot Weld's Hisaabaat came home in fifth. The favourite, Ted Veale had every chance but eventually faded into eighth.

Winters reflected: "She was always a good mare. I would have fancied her mad on better ground. I thought on firm ground at Leopardstown she was awesome (2nd behind Pale Mimosa in the Saval Beg then).

"I think they broke the track record that day.

"The mare is flat-bred and the owner was anxious about letting her take her chance here.

"I've just been terribly lucky to have herself and Rebel Fitz.

"This one stays and I was confident enough when she hit the front.

"It's super to win it back-to-back. Last year I had to muck out the next morning but this year I'm prepared and I have a few on to work.

"Jason Maguire was asked to ride but he couldn't do the weight. Martin Ferris did a good job schooling her but the owners wanted someone that was there before.

"I had this race mapped out for her for twelve months and now I'd love to see her coming up the hill in Cheltenham. The only mare that I'd be afraid of in the country is Annie Power.

"The owners Dan (Kanturk, a third generation vet) and Vanessa (his wife, a Kildare native) are steeped in racing and hunting and mostly have their horses for the flat.

"The mare will now go for a Listed race in the Curragh over a mile and three quarters in two weeks time."

Power explained: "I wasn't riding her until yesterday morning (Andrew Lynch was claimed for Viconte Du Noyer) and the plan was to be handy all the way.

"The ground wasn't ideal for her but she did bounce out and travel. I was praying going into the dip that I'd saved enough petrol.

"She jumped the last grand and pulled out more up the hill." (TW & EM)