Moonlit Wings sails over the last under James O'Sullivan© Photo Healy Racing
Moonlit Wings proved far too good for her rivals in the MM Halley Solicitors Mares Maiden Hurdle.
A winner of a point-to-point in 2019, the Yvonne Latta trained seven-year-old was a good fifth on her penultimate start at Leopardstown before disappointing on her most recent outing at Wexford when sent off a joint-favourite.
Backed from 6s to 4s this evening, the daughter of Presenting was settled behind the leaders on the outer, taking closer order from three out.
She eased to the front before the next and soon stretched clear under James O'Sullivan, coming home eleven lengths to the good in the colours of owner Thomas James. Branson Missouri who was sent off the 11/4 favourite, finished second under Jordan Gainford for Colin Bowe, while Shean Glory (14/1) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third.
"I've been busy with work lately so the Latta’s took over with her," James, who has a Plant Hire business, revealed.
"The Latta's are neighbours of mine and we've had plenty of horses together.
"She wasn't right after the race in Wexford, she just wasn’t 100 percent. We fancied her going down there, we thought she'd collect. She just had a few little niggly things, nothing major.
"Maybe she wasn't fit enough for Wexford and Andrew (Latta) just put a few finishing touches to her as well. Andrew has always had a lot of faith in her.
"We will see what kind of mark she gets now. If she gets a low enough mark we will go handicapping.
"She will jump a fence as well. She is a big strong mare and is a brilliant jumper. That’s what she is made for really.
"I still have a few at home and my nephew Cian Hogan rides them out."
STEWARDS REPORTS
M.P. O'Connor, rider of Dinny's Ginny trained by Declan Queally, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and stopped quickly thereafter.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dinny's Ginny, trained by Declan Queally, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at both nostrils post race.
D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Ronnoco Katie trained by W.J. Burke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
K.C Sexton, rider of Indie Belle trained by Robert Widger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly.
