Ballybacka Queen keeps them at bay in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Ballybacka Queen enjoyed the drop in class in the mile and a half handicap at Leopardstown as she kept on stoutly to score for jockey Donnacha O'Brien.
She was always to the fore in second place off pace-setting Urban Moon before coming through to lead under two furlongs from home. Maid Of The Glens looked a danger on the inside but O'Brien gave his mount a couple of reminders and she kept up the gallop to the line.
The 25/1 outsider prevailed by two lengths from 7/4 favourite Theophilus who got up to pip Maid Of The Glens (14/1) for second.
Pat Fahy said: "That's her first run in a handicap. All the good races are early closing and her handicap mark was dropping so we decided to go back to basics. She stuck at it well in front.
"She'll be rated about 100 after this so will probably go back to Listed company. She's very ground dependent and likes it here."
Ballybacka Queen had been unplaced in her last three runs in Listed company. She sported a hood for the first time today.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
