Vintage Nouveau and Pat Smullen © Photo Healy Racing
Vintage Nouveau was easy to back in the opening fillies maiden at Clonmel but got the job done in good style none-the-less.
Pat Smullen bounced out in front on the Moyglare-owned daughter of Montjeu but was joined after a couple of furlongs by Luvly Rita
The Dermot Weld-trained filly went on over a furlong from home and kept on strongly inside the final furlong to score by five lengths. Westpieser came through to take the runner-up spot without ever looking like pegging back the winner.
Vintage Nouveau was reversing placings with the runner-up having finished behind her when fourth on her debut at Dundalk last month.
The winner opened 4/6 on course but was eventually returned an even-money shot.
“She broke well, which is a big advantage around here, and she had the rail, which is a big help as well,” said Smullen.
“It was a good opportunity for her. The ground was very testing but she coped with it well. I'd imagine she'd be looking at handicaps now.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
