Perfect Pupil (white cap) and Anna McGuinness © Photo Healy Racing
Perfect Pupil was a second successive 25/1 winner on the Down Royal card as he landed the first division of the Powered By Bluegrass Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Anna McGuinness. Rebel Cowgirl made a bold bid from the front and was looking good for victory two out but the winner began to close on the run to the last where a mistake by the leader sealed her fate.
Owned and trained in Portadown by Stephen McConville, the Leading Light-sired winner scored by a length and a quarter with Rebel Cowgirl clear of the rest in second.
7lb claimer McGuinness rode a bumper winner last summer and this spare ride, replacing Daire James McConville, gave her a first success over hurdles.
McGuinness said: "I knew my lad would have the gears to pick him up, he's a strong stayer at that trip.
"It was a good performance from him today, so I'm very happy. I'm delighted for Stephen, he has been a good supporter of mine. It is nice to get a winner for him.
"A brilliant jump at the last, he winged it and then stayed ons trongly to the line.
"First winner over hurdles, so nice to get it. I rode a winner on Feast for James Lambe in a bumper at Downpatrick. This is my second winner now.
"I come from a non-racing background and I started with James and Stephen and they have been good to me."
Quotes from Michael Graham
