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Punchestown 2024
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- Idalia dominates big field in Headquarters
Michael Graham
Idalia dominates big field in Headquarters
Idalia is clear in the Curragh
© Photo Healy Racing
Idalia stormed away with the concluding handicap in the Curragh under Niall McCullagh.
Despite facing 29 rivals in this extended six furlong contest, the 16/1 shot could be called the winner a fair bit out.
She was ridden to lead from Shore Step approaching the final furlong and drew clear with 150 yards to go.
She was driven out to score by three and a half lengths from 5/1 favourite Rattling Jewel Doonard Prince (16/1) was a short head away in third with Shore Step the same distance back in fourth at 6/1.
Trainer Tracey Collins said: "We're delighted with her. We were disappointed with her the last day, I thought she'd win the last day but she just didn't get home.
“Myself and Ronan (Whelan) decided to drop her back in trip and it's worked the oracle.
“She had been very consistent but she's a big baby and she's mentally very immature. She just has to relax herself a little bit more, things just get on top of her a little bit.
“She'll probably improve, she's on the up, she's a big girl. We'll just have a look and see where we're going to head now. We'll see what Gary (O'Gorman) does with her.”
Niall McCullagh added: "She was hard work and I was cursing Tracey at the start as she was a handful to get on, a handful to get down there and a handful down there! The quietest she was was when she was in the stalls.
"That was the easy bit - riding her in the race because she travelled well. I actually got there a bit soon. She's something to look forward to - a big, leggy filly. She might make a good bit of a sprinter for next year with ease in the ground in the Spring, she'll be stronger.
"It's great to ride a winner for Tracey, it's a long time since I rode Dandy Man for her in Newmarket [to win the Group Three Palace House Stakes in May 2006]."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson