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Perseverance pays off for Chianti

Kilbarry Chianti came good under Mark McDonagh Kilbarry Chianti came good under Mark McDonagh
© Photo Healy Racing

Kilbarry Chianti won at the 14th attempt when running out a game winner of the KilbegganRaces.com Mares Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

The Con O'Keeffe trained five-year-old had failed to trouble the judge on seven runs over flights, although had been placed five times in bumpers.

Pulled up on heavy ground at Cork last time, she clearly appreciated the better ground as she travelled easily behind the leaders before taking it up before two out.

Odds on favourite Walk On The Moone clearly failed to give her true running but the winner was certainly value for a deserved success.

“She's a home-bred filly from a family that we've had for 16 or 17 years,” said O'Keeffe.

“She's from a wonderful family, her dam is a half-sister to Tropical Lady. We have another half-sister by Flemensfirth (Kilbarry Lilac) who ran at Wexford recently as well.

“I'm delighted to get the win with her as she had run well in a few bumpers early on. It's nice to get a little race with her and we'll look for another modest assignment.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.