Claragh Native, left, and winner Pur Style come back in at Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
The whole complexion of the handicap chase at Killarney changed after the last when all-the-way leader Claragh Native wilted as Pur Style stayed on best.
Claragh Native and Gareth Malone had tried to burn off their five rivals in this two mile one contest, but after jumping right at the last, the pair had to settle for third.
2/1 joint favourite Pur Style and Barry Geraghty forged on well and came in two and three parts of a length ahead of Nivek’s Dream (11/2) who battled past Claragh Native by half a length, for second place.
This was French-bred Pur Style’s handicap debut and she was equipped with a tongue-strap for the first time. This trip certainly seemed to suit the mare better than the two and a half miles she encountered in Kilbeggan at the start of the month when she was eighth.
She won a fillies’ Listed hurdle at Auteil in June 2011.
Trainer Edward O’Grady said: “That’s the owner’s (Olivia Cox Hoare) first winner in Ireland. I just hoped it would come sooner.
“She’s a very good jumper and only five, so hopefully she’ll improve and we’ll find another one for her.”
Pur Style was well backed in the ring from 11/4 to 2/1. The other 2/1 joint favourite, Steady Ed came in last of the five finishers. Top-weight Luddsdenene was pulled up before the second last.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
