Calico and Jack Kennedy pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Calico blitzed her rivals in the RBC Brewin Dolphin Rated Novice Hurdle, coming home 14-lengths to the good in the colours of the Goldman Racing Syndicate.
Still only a four-year-old, the Gordon Elliott-trained bay has been kept busy since making her debut less than a year ago, belatedly getting off the mark on her 13th start at Tramore in April.
The Spanish Moon filly followed-up at Perth, finishing fifth and second on her most recent outings.
Given a patient ride by Jack Kennedy, she took closer order from four out and eased to the front on the approach to the last, stretching clear when ridden on the run-in.
The Andy Slattery-trained Lady Of The Vale (6/1) filled the runner-up spot, while Katherine (15/2) was another three-and-a-half lengths back in third.
Returned an easy-to-back 7/2 chance (2/1 favourite in early shows), Katou faded tamely before three out and was soon pulled up.
"We went a good gallop the whole way and we picked them up fairly easy and she did it well," Kennedy remarked.
"I was probably in front a bit soon and she's been known to pull up in front a bit. I wasn't sure if there was anything coming behind me, there wasn't, but she can be a bit idle.
"She was impressive in the end and has ability but probably holds onto a bit for herself. She has improved for getting a couple of wins on the board in the spring and it probably just took a while for the penny to drop, so hopefully she can keep going in the right direction."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Thunder trained by John Patrick Ryan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race and showing signs of a delayed recovery.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Katou, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
D.E. Mullins, rider of Katou, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was pulled up having missed a few hurdles.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
