Bella Estrella (orange cap) moves into contention in Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
Dermot Weld's Bella Estrella secured a game victory in the featured Cairn Rouge Stakes at Killarney.
She raced in third approaching the home turn and was nudged along by Declan McDonogh to lead narrowly passing the two marker.
She was pressed by Panstarr but when that rival gave best in the final furlong, it was Hence who finished powerfully to close on Bella Estrella in this extended mile Listed contest.
However, Bella Estrella stuck her head out well and scored by a neck at 12/1. Runner-up Hence was 14/1 and was three parts of a length in front of Panstarr also at 14/1.
Declan McDonogh said: "I have to congratulate the staff for the ground conditions as it is a credit to them - they never get it wrong here and that's what helped her today as she needed that bit of cushion underfoot.
"The boss said she'd put up a good fight and was confident she'd run a big race so she truly did that and is a valuable filly now.
"She was game when the second-placed filly came to her and she was never getting by. The Listed race in Galway might be a target, I'm not sure, but it was great to get today over with."
This was Bella Estrella's third career victory on her fourth start.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
