Royal Hollow and Cian Quirke are clear of their rivals© Photo Healy Racing
Following-up on her breakthrough 10-length success at Ballinrobe last month, the Cian Quirke-ridden Royal Hollow easily accounted for her seven rivals in the Panda Mares Hurdle.
Available at 7/2 in early shows for this two-mile and a furlong contest, the Andy Slattery-trained six-year-old went as short as 7/4, drifting late on to a starting price of 5/2.
Sent to the front away from the first, the Beat Hollow chestnut jumped well throughout and readily stretched clear from the third last, ultimately sauntering to an eight-and-a-half length success in the colours of owner, breeder Margaret O'Rourke.
The James Barrett-trained Dame Rapide (12/1) filled the runner-up spot under Daniel King, while Disco Dancer (6/1) was another three-and-a-half lengths away in third.
The Willie Mullins duo of Four Clean Aces and Crack The Sky could only manage fourth and sixth respectively, with the latter returned the 9/4 favourite under Danny Mullins.
"We think a good bit of this one. We thought she was a very good bumper mare but she didn't settle in bumpers, she settles hurdling. When she sees a hurdle in front of her, she backs back a bit and takes her time," Slattery explained.
"The first day she ran here we kind of held on to her too much and she was a bit free. We decided to let her off in Ballinrobe and again today.
"She ran in four or five bumpers and probably should have won them all, not through any fault of the jockey. It is just the way she is, but the hurdles are a help to her.
"She has pace and she is actually in a Flat race in Gowran next week, but I think there is a Listed hurdle in Gowran coming up and then maybe the mares' novice at Down Royal. We might keep going that way and see where we end up."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Crack The Sky (GB), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
