3.15 2m. 4f. 13 Declared. TRM Equine Nutrition (Mares) M'dn H'dle of €12,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €7,200.00 2nd - €2,400.00 3rd - €1,200.00 4th - €600.00 5th - €360.00 6th - €240.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - ROYAL ILLUSION is taken to handle the step up in trip. She was a more than decent stayer on the Flat and, indeed, landed the Irish Cesarewitch in October 2019 by a whopping eight and a half lengths. The double bumper winner has only had one spin over hurdles when third over the minimum trip at Naas in December. The notable form from that mares' maiden hurdle involves Roseys Hollow who was a place behind Royal Illusion in fourth, and who has since gone on to Grade 3 glory. Mare Quimby is interesting. She looked a horse with a bright future when winning on debut in a mares' bumper at Punchestown in October. It hasn't quite happened for her since albeit in good company. She was fifth at 66/1 in a Grade 2 mares' bumper at Leopardstown, and could have a big say on her first crack at hurdling. Erins Benefit was placed in four hurdle races before unseating at the last in Tramore, when still in contention. Denis O'Regan knows her well and the pair are respected.
A hurdle for four years old and upwards mares only, maidens at startingWeights - 4-y-o 10st 10lbs 5-y-o 11st 8lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 9lbs