Cache Queen and Ronan Whelan assert from Eos and Shane Crosse© Photo Healy Racing
Very much in-form Ronan Whelan could afford to ease right down on Cache Queen (100/30 into 5/2 favourite) as Ado McGuinness' Kodiac filly landed the opening Killarney Welcomes Bordeaux Handicap.
An eye-catcher at Naas 11 days back, Cache Queen here reversed form with Eos from that encounter (the pair were 2nd and 3rd respectively at the County Kildare venue) triumphing by three parts of a length this time.
Cache Creek, the dam of the winner, was a good racemare for Pat Hughes, including when registering Listed race honours, and here her three-year-old daughter was getting off the mark at the 8th time of asking.
"She was entitled to win after the last day, when she ran very well and was third, and there was a big swing with Joseph's horse (Eos). I felt she'd improve again with the step up in trip and she is very genuine and the further she will go the better she will be," said McGuinness.
"We'll try and find something in Galway for her and she should be competitive. She is owner/bred by the Hughes family in Mullingar."
S.P. Davis, rider of So Enjoy trained by J.A. Nash, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped in the straight and his mount was eased.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Power Drive (GB), trained by Charles O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(TW & EM)
