Williamstowndancer and Paul Townend win the SuperValu Co Roscommon Ladies Day Novice Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Williamstowndancer maintained her unbeaten record over flights when taking the featured SuperValu Co. Roscommon Ladies Day Novice Hurdle under Paul Townend.
A winner on her hurdling debut at Downpatrick in May, the former Grade 2 placed bumper filly had to work hard here but showed plenty of determination to see off Lucid Dreams by half-a-length.
Having travelled easily just off the pace, Paul Townend delivered his mount with a strong run on the outside of the field to lead over the third last.
With the race looking in safe keeping, the Willie Mullins trained five-year-old made a mistake two out which halted her momentum. That allowed Harry Swan and the hat-trick seeking Lucid Dreams to throw down a strong challenge after the final flight.
However, to her credit, Williamstowndancer was not for passing, staying on in determined fashion to edge out the John Ryan trained gelding.
Patrick Mullins said; “She gave us a fright at the second last. She’s related to Nikini and is tough like her which is a great thing in a pedigree.
“She will go to Galway now for the Listed two-mile novice hurdle and try pick up some more black type.
“The syndicate are great fun, ex-students from Blackrock, and they are travelling around and getting to see all of Ireland.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
