Leahs Tricks and Danny Mullins pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Leahs Tricks claimed an incident packed opener at Fairyhouse, the Bet E10 Get E50 At Novibet Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Owned and trained by Pat Collins, the Champs Elysees five-year-old was an encouraging fifth on her debut over flights at Down Royal, before finishing seventh behind Dame Rapide at Ballinrobe on her latest start.
Sent off a 15/2 chance this afternoon, the bay victor was always towards the head of affairs under Danny Mullins and was left in front by the exit of Tequila Talkin' five flights from home.
Tackled by Rockstown Girl (7/4f) from early in the straight, she jumped left at the final two obstacles, doing no favours to the market leader, who was closing all the way to the line.
Just half-a-length separated the front pair at the finish, with the runner-up not helped by some novicey jumps on the way around.
There was a 27-length gap back to Mikita (100/1) in third, with early leader Faux Fur (11/4) pulling up after the fourth with a slipped saddle.
Two more runners exited early on, with Just Chelsea and Crystal's Heir both unseating at the first.
"She had that little bit of experience and a few things went wrong for other lads on the way around," Mullins said.
"My one was good and tough. She was in front plenty far out, idled a bit early in the straight but when I got stuck into her at the back of the last she found again.
"She was very quick over the last two which was probably the winning of it."
STEWARDS REPORTS
J.W. Kennedy, rider of Faux Fur (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his saddle slipped and was subsequently pulled up.
E. Walsh, rider of Sheemore trained by Cian Collins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped badly left throughout.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
