Purse Price and Jake Coen. © Photo Healy Racing
A winner of just one of her 17 starts over hurdles, the Gordon Elliott trained Purse Price made an immediate impact on her first start over fences when landing the opening Watch Racing With Free Trial Now Mares Beginners Chase at Tramore.
Prominent from flag fall under Jake Coen, the seven-year-old chased leader Miss Oreo for much of the race. With odd-on favourite Implicit dropping out of contention early on the final circuit (eventually pulled up before two out), the race had a much more open look to it entering the closing stages.
Along with stablemate Miss Augusta and Iris Emery Purse Price looked a serious threat to Miss Oreo leaving the back straight. Pushed along to lead approaching two out, the eventual winner survived a mistake at the last to run out an eight length winner.
Jake Coen, riding his first winner over fences said: "That's my first winner for Gordon, so I have that monkey off my back. She was brilliant and was like a handicapper going around there, she jumped very well.
"She was hardy and while she was very deep at the last, she was quick on her feet and came away quick from it. She had some good form over hurdles and I thought she had a chance today. I wasn't sure whether she'd beat the favourite though.
"I'm with Gordon around nine months and I love it there. I'm learning loads up there from Jack, Jordan and Sam and it's a big advantage to have them.
"When I was younger I done a lot of schooling with the Slattery's and I had always planned to go jumping because I loved it. I just got going on the flat until the weight got a hold of me."
