Aspen Belle (right) is ridden out by Killian Leonard to beat Idalia © Photo Healy Racing
The Congrats To The Naas Minor Football Champions 2018 Handicap went to Aspen Belle for the second year in-a-row, as she just held on under Killian Leonard for Pat Martin.
Successful at Cork in May, and placed on her next three starts, the daughter of Roderic O'Connor disappointed last time out at Fairyhouse.
Available at 12/1 in early shows, the bay five-year-old came in for plenty of market support today, opening on-course at 9s, before going off a 7/1 chance.
Settled behind the leaders in the early stages, she was pushed along to lead from halfway, and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, holding off the late surge of Idalia by a short head.
The runner-up was returned at 12/1 under Niall McCullagh for Tracey Collins, while Doonard Prince (20s to 14s) and Brave Display (7/1) were third and fourth respectively. Tide Of Time was sent off the 7/2 favourite and he finished fifth.
Stable representative Bernard Caldwell said afterwards: "Pat broke five ribs and punctured his lung last Tuesday week. The accident happened when he was breaking in a horse at home, and he only came out of Drogheda Hospital on Friday evening. He'll be out of action for a few weeks.
"His son Jack (who led up the winner) is looking after things and is doing a great job along with his friend Jordan Kidd.
"This horse wants cut in the ground and five furlongs."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
