Ardnahoe (near side) gets up to beat Kayf Hampshire© Photo Healy Racing
The mares bumper at Aintree could be next on the agenda for Ardnahoe after making a winning debut in the Croom Mares bumper for lady riders at Limerick.
The David Kiely-trained newcomer appeared to have it all to do as Kayf Hampshire set sail for home in the straight under Jane Mangan.
However the Brian Boru filly came home strongly inside the final furlong, striking the front in the final 100 yards to land the spoils at odds of 10/1 under Kate Harrington.
Kayf Hampshire was three quarters of a length back at the line, with Double Infinity a further length and three quarters adrift in third. Princess Leya failed to quicken in the straight and the 5/4 favourite had to settle for seventh.
Kiely said, “It was Kate’s first ride for me and she did very well. I knew she was a tough one but didn’t know how she’d handle the sticky ground. It was a nice performance.
“If it’s soft we might run her at Liverpool in the mares bumper. We can afford to go now.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
