Inishbel (left) leads Laureate over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Inishbel went one place better than twelve months ago, as she made the breakthrough over flights in the Irish Jockeys Association Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The Colin Bowe trained six-year-old was beaten a half a length into second by Aasleagh Dawn in this very race last year, and was sent off a well-backed 5/2 favourite today.
Fourth on her last two starts, the daughter of Arakan was available at 5/1 in early shows, opening on-course at just 11/4.
Settled in a close second by Bryan Cooper, the bay victor improved to lead from four out.
She was ridden and pressed by Laureate from the final flight, fending off that rival by a length and a quarter at the line.
The runner-up was returned at 3/1 under Adam Short for Colin McBratney, while So Enjoy (11/4) was another thirteen lengths back in third.
Bowe, who trains the winner for Patrick Joseph McCann, said: "She was actually second in this race last year and we did plan to come here.
"She jumps very well and had quite a bit of experience. She kind of deserved that.
"Bryan (Cooper) said to probably go straight for a chase instead of hurdling, maybe over two and a half miles. She will probably come back here for a chase."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
