Pro Bono Alexander (Wayne Hassett) strides clear© Photo Healy Racing
Pro Bono Alexander opened her account at the sixth attempt when prominent throughout in the opening Sky Bet Request A Bet Handicap over five furlongs at Dundalk.
The daughter of Exceed And Excel was fitted with blinkers for the first time and despite proving friendless in the market at 25/1, took control under Wayne Hassett in the final furlong to score by four and three-quarter lengths.
Phil’s Dream took the runner-up spot with My Girl Sioux a head further back in third.
Winning trainer Willie Browne said, "This mare works like a dream at home and for some reason she hasn't brought it to the track. She has been a bit unlucky, but she won the way she works - she works like a real good mare.
"She was very, very nearly retired after last week. We just said to the owner we would give her one more go.
"I don't think she needs blinkers, she's very honest. She broke well today and she travelled very well. She was gone.
"She was actually covered two weeks ago by Starspangledbanner and she is not in foal, so she has got to go back again. Whether we leave things alone, or continue, will be up to the owner.
"She has won her race and has got a bit of pedigree. A win is hugely important."
Quotes by Michael Graham
