Sit Down Lucy proved too strong for the boys as she made a winning start over fences in the beginners chase at Galway this evening.

The Peter Fahey-trained mare had won a handicap hurdle at the festival meeting in late July and went to post 15/8 second favourite on her first try over the larger obstacles.

5/4 market leader Hallowed Star cut out the running in the two-mile-two contest but was joined by both Sit Down Lucy and Indigo Breeze after pecking at the second last.

It was the mare who travelled strongly to lead turning for home and soon settled matters when asked by Sean Flanagan. She could afford to ease down late on to score by eight lengths.

Fahey said:- “She’s a nice filly and she likes it here. It’s grand to get her started off over fences and she put in a good round of jumping. Sean thinks she could be better over fences.

“She may go back over hurdles at Listowel for the big handicap. We’ll see how things are going with her and keep our options open.

“When she’s in good form she likes running every few weeks and it worked out well coming here.

“It’s great for Padraic (Ryan, owner) as he’s a local man and definitely enjoys Galway."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)