Costanuci gives Queallys a day to remember Costanuci clung on for a family success, for the Queallys, in the MCG Ladies Handicap Hurdle at Listowel. It was a memorable result for 7lb claimer Orla Queally as she partnered her first racecourse winner on the mare, training by her father John and owned by her mother Miriam. She cut out the early running on the 9/2 shot before Woodstream Lad took over before the fourth flight. Costanuci got to the front again turning for home in the two-mile-two contest and held the large charge of well-backed 5/4 favourite Who’s Da Goose to secure a half-length win. The winning rider had partnered a point-to-point winner previously but was making the breakthrough under rules this afternoon and she said:- "I'm lost for words and it means a lot, as it is my first winner on the track. “She is owned by my mam and trained by my dad, and was my first ride on the track five years ago. This is amazing to win today. "I was kicking myself on the last couple of rides that I didn't make enough use of her so I put her out in front today and she really enjoyed it. “It couldn't have gone any better and she is tough. I could hear somebody coming from behind so I was praying for the line to come in time. "I have been lucky with show-jumping to have ridden at the RDS a few times but the buzz from racing is unmatchable. “I had a point-to-point winner about a year ago and said I'd never get a kick like that, but today is even better." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
