Bovary relishes the testing conditions

Madam Bovary for the Codd brothers of trainer Willie and jockey Jamie took the spoils in the Four Roads Mares Maiden Hurdle, with just five of the fifteen that went to post managing to complete the course, as the extremely testing condition took there toll.

Having won a point to point at Marlin in April the 5yo daughter of Old Vic (also sired previous winner Take A Shot then ran in a maiden hurdle at Wexford finishing fourth behind Virgil Earp.

She ran again at Wexford next time out in a bumper in July finishing a close fourth to Ginger Genie. On her last start in early August she managed to win her bumper at Sligo just getting the better of Local Celebrity by a neck.

Considering she won last time out she was sent off at the massive odds of 16/1 today but belied that price, taking up the lead before the second last before staying on well to score by three and a half lengths.

On just her second start Limerickurmylady ran a great race to finish second at 20/1 for Christy Roche, while Elanisa completed the placings four lengths back in third at 9/1.

The very short 11/8 favourite Blossom Gate clearly didn't handle the underfoot conditions and she pulled up before the third last.

Winning trainer Willie Codd said afterwards: "We hadn't a clue coming here today where she would like the ground, as all her runs have come on either good or good to firm ground.

"I spoke to her owners earlier and they said her dam Saraemma had won on soft ground, so that gave us hope.

"Jamie gave her a brilliant ride, he stayed wide. He though himself that he got there a bit too soon.

"She is a decent mare and will make a lovely broodmare for her owners. Hopefully we can get some black type for her now."

Donal Murphy