Rachel's Secret records a decisive victory Rachel’s Secret confirmed the promise of placed form both between the flags and under Rules when landing the Adare Manor Opportunity Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel. The 5/2 favourite headed front-running stablemate Knockaneleigh Girl approaching the penultimate flight and soon took command. A mistake at the last didn’t halt her momentum and she kept on strongly for Philip Donovan to beat Former Flame by ten lengths, with Knockaneleigh Girl just a neck further back in third. Winning trainer Declan Queally said, “She had been knocking on the door, had finished second in a four-year-olds point-to-point, second in a maiden hurdle and third in a bumper so had some very solid form. "She also had some wind issues and had operations but deserved it and Philip got on great with her. She is a big old mare, is 16.2hh and you could see her go over fences." He added, “We cut down our numbers to 25 as we had a baby on the way earlier this year, so had to make adjustments and sent some horses to other places. She went to Henry (De Bromhead) and, when we started to fill back up, Henry said he'd prefer if we took her back. "We have some great owners involved in the yard and have a good team of horses for next year." Quotes by Tom Weekes
