Sarah Beara made a mockery of an opening mark of 92 when sauntering to victory in the Country Fest Wexford August 13th Handicap Hurdle.

The daughter of Westerner, trained by Sam Curling for owner Mark Byrne, had been placed in a couple of point-to-points in the spring before acquitting herself quite well in three maiden hurdles, the last two of which were at Wexford.

Put in 10/1 overnight, the money steadily came for her before racing and she was sent off 7/2 favourite.

The race changed complexion when a number of runners departed four out but it's hard to think any of them would have lived with the winner. Left in front after that incident, she came home on the bridle under Phillip Enright to beat Will It Be You by five and a half lengths.

Curling said: "We thought she'd run well. She has improved with every run in maidens and this probably wasn't a great handicap. She is in again on Monday at Ballinrobe and we will declare her in the morning if she is alright.

"It's great for her owner Mark Byrne. He is from Galway and is an equine engineer. He does lots of great work for us. He has been at the horse show all week and has a stand there."

Quotes from Donal Murphy