The Birdie Crowe (nearside) seen here at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
With 4/7 shot Borboleta failing by some way to come up to expectations, the way was left clear for something else to shine and The Birdie Crowe certainly did that when prevailing in the concluding Weatherbys Ireland Mares INH Flat Race at Galway.
Eleven to four second favourite The Birdie Crowe had a sound chance on form, and she added to her Punchestown gains from May, leading under Katie Harrington from two and a half furlongs out before going on to see off Ask Susan by three and a half lengths.
Borboleta was in trouble from three furlongs out and she ended up beaten a total of nearly fourteen lengths in fourth.
"The previous experience around the track helped and she travelled today. With the bit more dig in the ground she was awesome," said Miss Harrington of her mother Jessica's charge.
"She is a good filly and will go for the Listed Bumper in Gowran now. It's great for Andrew and Eamonn Leigh and the whole Leigh family who own her - they are with us a long long time and it's brilliant to ride a winner for them."
(TW & EM)
