Back Before Dawn (left) comes to beat Painted Lady at Leopardstown with Ballychorus (rail) in behind© Photo Healy Racing
With Bryan Cooper up for the first time on just her second attempt over jumps, Back Before Dawn benefitted from a patient ride to land the opening leopardstown.com Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The daughter of Oscar got there with her effort at the last and she led on the run-in before going on to account for Painted Lady by two and a quarter lengths. The always prominent favourite Ballychorus faded at the business end to finish third.
Dessie Hughes handles the hooded oft-placed bumper five-year-old and he said: "She's a nicely bred mare – the dam won a good few.
"This one herself was bought at Fairyhouse (Tattersalls) and ran well over hurdles at Tipperary – back over flights today suited her and she did it well.
"It probably wasn't the strongest Leopardstown maiden ever but it's great for the lads to get a win."
The naming of the victorious grouping, the U S Of Pieland Syndicate is explained as follows. One of them is from the States whilst the p represents the Polish based member, i is a mention for the Listowel representative whilst some members are from England (London) – Pie. (AM & EM)
