Rock Chica (Rachael Blackmore) leads from Paula's Prayer (Ricky Doyle)© Photo Healy Racing
The Fairyhouse Merchandise On Sale Mares Handicap Hurdle saw Irish Grand National hero Ricky Doyle back at the County Meath venue to win on Conor O’Dwyer’s Paula’s Prayer (11/1). Rock Chica looked like she might win going to the last under Aintree history maker Rachael Blackmore, but she had no more to give in the closing stages ending up in third. Nodoubtaboutthat came home well to ultimately give Paula’s Prayer most to do, and indeed it was hard to split them at the line. There was just a nose between them.
Of course Doyle had a day to remember on Freewheelin Dylan on Easter Monday here and O’Dwyer was reminiscing on as much in the aftermath.
He said: “I was actually standing on the line and I thought we were done. It must be the luck of the jockey here!”
The County Kildare handler added: “That was great. She's a great lady and she's improved so much over hurdles.
“I just wasn't sure where we were with her for her first run back and that's a great start. She'll run away for the summer.
“She's been so consistent and is a great little servant. Hopefully there are another one or two in her.
“Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on her for a nose. I'm absolutely thrilled, it's a bit of a surprise but we'll take it when it comes.”
(GC & EM)
