Brooklynn Glory on her way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Brooklynn Glory got off the mark over flights in the first division of the Happy 90th Birthday Michael Louis Maiden Hurdle in Leopardstown but gave his backers a brief scare at the last.
The 8/15 favourite swept through in the straight to race past the front-running Chuffer Dandridge and readily went on by a few lengths from Pats Choice
As she approached the last, though, she had a good look at it and swerved into her jump. However, she got to the other side and was driven out to account for a keeping-on Pats Choice.
The 'jolly' scored by a length and a half from the 11/4 runner-up. Newcomer Brookie picked up well in the straight to come home third, beaten just under 10 lengths by the winner, at 14/1.
Willie Mullins said: “Paul (Townend) seemed to get first run turning for home after looking to be off the bridle.
“She settled well today, which was a pleasant surprise, and if she settles like that in future we could probably go up in trip with her as well but she has plenty of speed.
“She was a little green in front but is learning and she'll improve, I think.
“I was happy to see her winning on that type of ground, it was soft both times she won last year.
“She looked like a good ground filly and maybe she's only coming to herself now. I wouldn't be stopping with her if she's able to handle better ground during the summer.
“We'll aim for Fairyhouse or Punchestown and if I can find a nice hurdle in the meantime we'll do that too.”
Brooklynn Glory, who has two bumpers in her locker, was having her third race over hurdles - she fell on debut at Fairyhouse in January when holding every chance at the last, and finished third in a big field maiden hurdle at Naas the following month.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
