Rebel Cowgirl digs deep for Quirke Rebel Cowgirl was ultra tough at the head of affairs in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Hurdle in Punchestown. Cian Quirke's mount was strongly pressed by Poets Oath who was almost upsides over the last. On the run-in, Rebel Cowgirl really wanted it as she strained for the line. The 11/1 chance dug deep to prevail by half a length from the 11/1 runner-up with 15/8 favourite James The Brave some seven-and-a-half-lengths adrift in third. She had been running fairly consistently on her last few runs,” trainer Mark Cahill said. “Two-and-a-half, going a right good gallop, is probably ideal for her. “We held her up a bit the last day over two-miles-seven in Thurles and it didn’t work out for us. We decided to go back and make the running today and keep kicking. “In fairness Cian gave her a great ride and she didn’t miss a trick. “We’re delighted and we’ll try and get something similar in three or four weeks time. “She’ll be a nice mare over a fence next year. She’s a well-bred mare, she’s out of a half-sister to Appreciate It.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
