Reine Machine (nearest) tackles Hollymount over the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Jonathan Sweeney-trained Reine Machine got off the mark at the first time of asking over hurdles with a gutsy success in the TRM Equine Nutrition Mares Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The two-and-a-half mile contest boiled down to a duel between the eventual winner and Hollymount on the run-in.
There wasn't much between the pair in the closing stages but Reine Machine found a bit more close home, for Jamie Codd, to record a half length success.
The 8/1 winner had trailed in last in a Punchestown bumper last time out but had been placed three times previously in bumpers.
“That was great, I'm delighted. I shouldn't have run her on the ground last time, her best form was on nicer ground,” said Sweeney.
“She might have been a bit unlucky not to win a bumper. She jumped for fun and she wants two-and-a-half miles or even further.
“What can I say about Jamie, he's a class act.
“I'll talk to the owners now and we'll see where we go. It's great for them because they've put a good bit of time into her. She's a nice mare to look forward to.”
