Jeremys Jewel (right) and Time Gents both travel well off the home turn© Photo Healy Racing
Local trainer Paul Nolan bookended the card at Wexford with a first and last race double as Jeremys Jewel took the Hook Head (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race in convincing fashion.
The daughter of Jeremy showed plenty of promise on both previous starts but was reappearing here after a 16 months absence.
Barry O’Neill oozed confidence on the six-year-old leading early in the straight and just pushed her out inside the final furlong to beat Time Gents by a length and three quarters.
The runner-up was well off the pace in rear early on but travelled strongly to challenge entering the straight and just gave best inside the final furlong.
The pair pulled 16 lengths clear of Major Wells in third.
The Enniscorthy trainer initiated his double with 2/1 shot Valentina Lady in the opening mares maiden hurdle.
Nolan said, "We think she will improve a good bit from that. When she was beaten first time we were disappointed but she was too keen.
"Barry was sorry he jumped off wide today for the better ground. He said it was the worst thing he done because she had no cover. He was dreading that she was too keen again after being so long off.
"He said she has enough pace for the flat, so we will take a look at things like that, maybe over a mile and a half. She seems to love that ground and I'm just delighted now that she has gone and done it. I probably wouldn't run her on ground quicker than today. It's drying out so thanks be to God they put as much water as they did on it.
"She is owned by a very loyal owner in Phil Byrne. We bought her off of Aidan Fitzgerald off of a piece of work. She was injured after her last run and has been off that length."
(DM & AM)
