18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Colleen Danu back to winning ways at Clonmel

Colleen Danu and Simon Torrens. Colleen Danu and Simon Torrens.
© Photo Healy Racing

Having scored on her penultimate start at Gowran in November, the Patrick Foley trained Colleen Danu made up for a disappointing effort at Cork subsequently when easily getting back on the winning trail in the Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle.

In the first half-dozen or so throughout under Simon Torrens, the daughter of Milan made ground on the inner after jumping what is usually the third last.

With the last two flights in the straight omitted due to low lying sun, the six-year-old came through to head long time leader Mega Speculator over two-furlongs from home.

Briefly challenged by Order Of The Dance the 6/1 chance soon asserted to go right away for an easy five-length win over the latter.

Trainer Patrick Foley said: "She had a break after having a disappointing run at Cork previously and

"She is a summer filly but the ground being good-to-firm was a concern so it is great to get the win. She is a half-sister to Absolute Notions (Grade 1-placed) so it is important breeding-wise.

"She was Michael O'Sullivan's last winner for me and while she isn't the biggest filly, he couldn't wait to get her over a fence, so we have that option down the line. We'll see what the handicapper does with her first."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.