Billy's Hope (left) and Dounikos are in the air together at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Billy’s Hope recorded her third career win when appreciating a step up in trip in the I N H Stallion Owners EBF Rated Novice Hurdle at Thurles.
The King’s Theatre mare won a Punchestown bumper and a Limerick maiden hurdle last season, and was also placed at Listed level both in a bumper and over hurdles.
The 7/2 chance was stepping up to 2m7f here, and challenged the front-running Dounikos approaching the final flight.
She found plenty under pressure on the run-in for Robbie Power to score by a length and half, with Jack The Wire nearly ten lengths back in third.
Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said, "She was good, and we'll find something else for her.
"I was going to go over fences with her as I was disappointed with her the last day but three miles over hurdles is probably what she has been crying out for.
"She may now wait until Christmas but heavy, heavy ground isn't her scene. She could go for the Pertemps Qualifier as she jumps like a handicapper, is off quite an attractive mark and was entitled to win on ratings today."
(TW & AM)
