Highland Penny moves clear© Photo Healy Racing
Highland Penny made virtually all for Jack Foley to post a decisive victory in the mares' handicap hurdle at Listowel. Shannon Gray attracted plenty of support this morning and looked dangerous as she attempted to reel in Highland Penny after the third last.
The leader wasn't for catching, though, as she went on between the final two flights and was kept up to her work to score by six and a half lengths at 5/1.
Shannon Gray took the runner-up berth at 8/1 (from double those odds this morning). There was a five-length gap back to 33/1 Good Bye Milan Royal Eagle the 3/1 favourite, dropped another six and a half lengths away in fourth having also looked threatening at the third last.
Trainer Ray Cody said: "It was her first run back and I thought she might take the run, but she didn't. She looked a little big, but maybe that's the way to catch her and she was good and fresh. Her work was very good at home but I thought it looked a very competitive race.
"Jack said she travelled and jumped the whole way and was delighted with her - he gave her a great ride.
"She might go to Gowran in two weeks time and we'll take it one race at a time. She wouldn't want really deep ground.
"Her asset is her jumping and maybe she will be better over a fence."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
