Banner proves real Beauty on debut for Buckley Trainer Edward Buckley sent out his first winner on the Flat since returning to Ireland when Banner Beauty landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Leopardstown. A close up fourth at this track on her final start for Michael Halford and Tracey Collins in October, the daughter of Soldier's Call struck on her first start for her new trainer. Prominent from stalls, the 12/1 chance chased leader Al Rojo Vivo for much of this contest. Moving up to lead at the furlong pole, Robert Whearty soon went three-lengths clear on the filly. However, with Billy Lee conjuring up a strong late run from Jet Black Jewel, the line came just in time for Banner Beauty who held on to score by half-a-length. Ned Buckley said: “She’s a nice filly and obviously came from Mick Halford. I’m friendly with Tony Vaughan (part owner) who has a couple of horses with me and recommended I got her. “She had a few little issues, nothing serious, and we found this race for her. “Rob just said when she got to the front, she didn’t know what to do. She was looking around a bit, pulling herself up and a bit green in front but that’s the first time she’s ever been in front, so you expect that. “She showed a nice turn of foot and could come back over seven or run over a mile. “There is a mile Listed race for fillies, the Kooyonga, at Navan (on June 7) that we might aim her at.”
