When last seen out Bible Belt finished third in a Group 3 at the Curragh some 291 days ago, but she showed no rustiness when taking the Stillorgan Handicap under Fran Berry.
The pair at 6/1 led over a furlong out and came home three parts of a length clear of Castle Bar Sling at 14/1 and Elusive Award who came from last to third, at 8/1.
A delighted Jessica Harrington said: “That was very good. I was thrilled with her.
It was her first handicap and the handicapper wouldn’t like that very much.
“Fran [Berry] said she was pricking her ears the last furlong and a half. He arrived too soon really.
“She will get further. She’s a full sister to Bob Le Beau (runs in 8.55 tonight). She’ll get a mile and two or a mile and a half.
“It’s great that Mrs Patino [owner] was here. That’s the first time I’ve had a winner for her while she was present.
“Bible Belt was only beaten a head and a short head in a Group 3 last year.
“She got injured in February and that’s why she hasn’t appeared until now. I think she’ll be a better filly next year.”
Michael Graham
