Askanna is obviously a mare for the big day and after a Grade 2 success at Punchestown last May, the well-bred daughter of Old Vic struck again at the tasty odds of 16/1 (she was 33/1 when she won at Punchestown) under the in-form Andrew McNamara (fifth winner in six days and third of this Festival). Colin Bowe's mare beat Banjaxed Girl by a length and a quarter in the Grade 3 John Fowler Memorial European Breeders Fund Mares Chase at Fairyhouse.

With pulled-up efforts to her name, the last twice, Askanna left such form well-behind her as she was always on the pace in this two and a half miler. From before the last, the John Asple-owned seven-year-old stayed on too stoutly for Lady Fowler's (bidding to win her husband's memorial race) Banjaxed Girl. The pair left Gentle Alice nine lengths back in third whilst Shop Dj likely found the ground too testing and ended up in fourth.

Leading point-to-point handler (indeed Askanna began her career with a couple of successes 'between the flags') Bowe said: "I knew today she was coming back to herself.

"Her last two runs were on bottomless ground, she won't go on heavy ground.

"We'll keep her over fences and she'll probably be covered at the end of the season."

The Stewards requested a report from Mr Colin Bowe into the apparent improvement in form of Askanna, winner, compared with the previous two runs at Limerick and Thurles when the horse was pulled up on both occasions. The trainer reported that the going at Limerick and Thurles was exceptionally testing and he felt today’s better ground accounted for the return to form.

Having considered the report the Stewards noted the explanation. (MG & EM)