Femme proves Magnifique again at Wexford Femme Magnifique stayed on best to land the spoils on the rain softened ground at Wexford, in the rated novice chase. Ma Jacks Hill went for home turning in, in the two-mile-three contest but made a mistake at the second last. It gave Harry Kelly’s charge the chance to launch her challenge, under Danny Gilligan, and she got to the front before the last to record a hard-fought three-parts-of-a-length win. The 7/4 shot was following up on her win at Killarney last month and was making it three from four having also scored at Tramore in late May. “We said we’d take a chance. The race she was in at Killarney (last week) was called off for unfortunate reasons and this race popped up,” said Kelly. “You could maybe pick holes in the form of Henry’s horse (Le Coq Hardi - pulled up), that he’s maybe been unreliable at times. “We were stepping up in trip. Gordon’s horse (Ma Jacks Hill) made a mistake, in fairness, but we were coming and coming. “Danny said he was never overly happy throughout the race. She has gone on winter ground but I don’t know about this track for her, even though she’s won. “I think she might be better on a level track. “I’m delighted for the lads and delighted to have her. That’s three wins in four runs. “They are a great bunch and I’m delighted to have a horse for them as it’s a good story behind the syndicate with Cian (Quirke) and all the lads.” The winner is owned by the DQ Number Eleven Syndicate, named in honour of Dillon Quirke, who died aged just 24 while playing hurling in August 2022. The Dillon Quirke foundation was subsequently set up to raise awareness about Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
