Barbaha Queen © Photo Healy Racing
Placed on her first two starts over hurdles, Barbaha Queen (15/2) got off the mark in the Bulmers Summer BBQ Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.
The daughter of Yeats chased clear leader Finches Cross before taking up the running on the approach to the straight. Malinas Glory looked a big threat coming to the final flight but lost all chance when blundering badly and it was the 5/4 favourite Itwasfate who threw down the final challenge on the run-in but John Shinnick's mount just held on by a neck. Doyenna was a length back in third with Malinas Glory in fourth.
It was a sixth winner of the season for winning trainer John Ryan who also owns the five-year-old.
Ryan said: "The ground was a bit soft for her at Ballinrobe and she was suited by coming back here on decent ground.
"Her dam was a sister to Savello who was quite a good horse and there is lots in her pedigree. She is decent and will now go for a nice novice hurdle."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
