Castra Vetera and Neil Bashford (nearest) get up to beat Royal Kahala© Photo Healy Racing
Castra Vetera made it two wins from three starts, as she got up close home to take the concluding MansionBet Get Paid As A Winner If 2nd In The Supreme Novices' At Cheltenham Mares (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
An easy victor on debut at Fairyhouse in December, the Joseph O'Brien trained five-year-old since finished eighth in a Grade 2 at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Sent off an 11/8 joint-favourite today, the Jeremy bay was settled in second by Neil Bashford and looked in trouble when ridden in third two furlongs from home.
Soon switched to the outer, she came with a renewed effort from the furlong pole, getting up in the final strides to prevail by half a length.
Newcomer Royal Kahala was the one just denied, with this Peter Fahey trained chestnut returned at 14/1.
The front-running Phillapa Sue finished third, while Lady Heath who was the other joint-favourite, could only manage a disappointing fourth.
The winner is owned by Gigginstown House Stud who were completing a treble on the card, following on from the wins of Cap York and The Very Man
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "She won well and I thought Neil gave her a lovely ride. She got a little bit lost off the bridle and came good up the hill.
"She learned a lot the last day in Leopardstown where it was a very messy race and she'll probably come on again from today.
"I'd imagine she will go to Aintree now for that mares' bumper."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
