Barnahash Rose with happy connections© Photo Healy Racing
Barnahash Rose clearly appreciated the step up in trip as she ran out a good winner of the Grade 3 Kerry Group EBF Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle.
A staying on third on her last two starts over shorter trips at Leopardstown, the Jonathan Sweeney trained daughter of Exit To Nowhere was stepped up in trip to two mile six today.
Settled in mid-division by Ambrose McCurtin (biggest success to date) the eight-year-old chestnut improved into a closer fourth with just under a circuit to race.
She was pushed along to go in pursuit of the front two from the third last and she swept by that pair entering the straight, keeping on well from there to score easily by eleven lengths in the colours of owner Michelle O'Connor. Myztique (11/4 joint-favourite) finished second under Kevin Sexton for Gordon Elliott, while Court Challenge (14/1) was a further eleven lengths back in third under Martin Mooney for Shane Crawley. Monbeg Rose was the other 11/4 joint-favourite and she faded tamely once head entered the straight, eventually finishing a well-beaten fourth under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins.
Jonathan Sweeney, who was also recording his biggest success to date, said afterwards: "I've only two in training and my other horse (Minutestomidnight) won first-time out under Jamie Codd at Lingstown earlier today.
"Barnahash Rose is an improving mare and the trip today suited - she ran over shorter the last two days but it was just too short.
"She wouldn't be in love what that heavy ground and is better on nicer and coming here today, I had the three miles handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in mind for her next."
"I'm training three years and that's my third winner on the track and I've also have a good record with my point to pointers."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
