Brampton Belle and Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
Brampton Belle made the best way home in the Listed Apple's Jade Mares Novice Hurdle in Navan.
She tracked My Design throughout and was ridden by Rachael Blackmore to try and get to grips with the leader before the last.
My Design made a mistake there and Brampton Belle saw her opportunity. She took a narrow lead in the final 150 yards and looked to have the race in her grasp, however, 9/4 favourite Lunar Display kept her honest as she ran on strongly to get to within half a length at the line.
Brampton Belle brought plenty of bets up at 7/2 having opened at 6/1.
Lunar Display ran tight for room between three out and the second last, and was in a pocket on the rail approaching the last. She had to be switched out on the run-in and finished well to be a somewhat unlucky loser.
Henry de Bromhead said: “I'm delighted with that, she really toughed it out and Rachael was brilliant on her. That's her gig, she stays well, jumps well and I'd say the softer the better for her.
“The plan was always to come here and then head on to Limerick (March 13th) for the mares' novice there over two-miles-six (Grade 3 Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle).”
Brampton Belle landed a mares' maiden hurdle at Tramore in December.
Davy Russell was stood down for the rest of the day after a fall from Rock On Cassie when under pressure in fourth at the second last.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
