Bonny Kate and Sean Flanagan© Photo Healy Racing
The Noel Meade trained Bonny Kate made all the running to win the opening Auld Stand Ratoath/Kellys Pub Ashbourne Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse today, capitalising from the unfortunate exit and eventual loss of 4/5 favourite Alvisio Ville in the race.
Ridden by Sean Flanagan, Bonny Kate maintained a good gallop throughout and in the end stayed on strongly in the home straight for a six lengths win over Marinero
The race also featured the chasing debut of Grade 1 placed novice hurdler Alvisio Ville. However the Willie Mullins trained, J.P. McManus owned gelding blundered at the ninth fence and unshipped Mark Walsh with the mistake unfortunately resulted in Alvisio Ville sustaining a broken shoulder and he was later put down.
Following the win Meade stated “jumping and staying is her game so we let her roll along. Sean (Flanagan) said she lost her rhythm a bit when he gave her an ease but she jumped well when he asked her to go on.
"She's a really good looking mare, and is a full-sister to Mala Beach. We'll probably look at mares races, although they are fairly hot at the moment, and we'll find something around Christmas."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
