Bowe's gutsy mare comes out on top Dedudefromhouston just came out on top in a thrilling finish to the Matchbook 50/50 Series Mares Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. The complexion of this extended 2m4f event changed at the third flight where the front-running 4/9 favourite Brickfield Belle pecked on landing and unseated Darragh O’Keeffe. Birdie Conway was left in front and she in turn was headed by Dedudefromhouston approaching the straight with Viva Laa Vida in close pursuit. The latter gained a slight advantage after Dedudefromhouston was slow at the last, but Colin Bowe’s charge dug deep in the closing stages to get back up and score by a nose at odds of 14/1. Birdie Conway couldn’t find any extra on the run-in finishing two lengths back in third. Winning rider Sean Flanagan said, “I very nearly cost it(the win) myself. She jumped really well. I changed my stick turning into the straight, I went to hit her a smack down the shoulder and I dropped it. “She was a bit careful at the last because I just hadn't got the revs on down to it. Very, very gamey mare to stay going as she did and a great owner. “I'd say two miles with no jumps just stretched her a little in her bumper. Put back a jump in front of her and a little bit further and she'd go on slower ground I'd imagine as well. “If I had got beaten today there was no one to blame only myself. She was very gusty from the back of the last. I've jumped it quite slowly and she did well to get back going and I was going forward all the way to the line.” Quotes by John O'Riordan
