From left to right; Jack Kennedy, Water Sprite, groom Sean Healy and Gordon Elliott© Photo Healy Racing
Muthaza was sent off the 1/5 favourite for the Bellinter House Classic Mares Hurdle, but she unfortunately crashed out at the fourth, with Water Sprite eventually coming out on top under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott.
Successful on the level at the Galway Festival, the winner since finished second at Tramore, and she was sent off a 10/1 chance this afternoon, as she reverted back to hurdles for the first time since April.
Settled in mid-division by Kennedy, the five-year-old victor was pushed along in fourth after three out, and she made good ground into second as they bypassed the second last.
She jumped to the front at the last, and kept on well under pressure in the closing stages, going on to score by three and a half lengths. Colla Pier (16/1) ran a fine race to take second under Robbie Dunne for his brother David, while The Nutcracker was three and three parts of a length back in third.
Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "She's a grand honest filly. We were very fortunate that the favourite came down.
"Luckily Ruby is alright but the filly (Muthaza) is not so it's a bit of a disaster.
"You kind of have to take on those horses sometimes. It just shows there is no such thing as a certainty and we were there to pick up the pieces.
"She'll go to Listowel for the Ladbrokes Hurdle."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
