Getaway Mare Lands Listed Prize At Punchestown

Cottesloe Sunshine (6m Getaway – Cuditbelucky, by Beneficial) gained her second black-type success in the Listed Close Brothers Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle on the third day of the Punchestown Festival.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained mare won her maiden hurdle in November, progressing to place at Listed level and went on to win a Listed mares’ hurdle at Thurles in December. She was reunited with JJ Slevin on Thursday and tracked the leader for much of the way. The daughter of Getaway led after the second last and was pushed clear approaching the final flight, going on to score by three and a half lengths.

“A great ride by JJ and a very tough filly,” O’Brien commented. “We were coming here fresh and a lot of the competitors had been to all the Festivals over the last few months. We knew that was going to be a positive for us.

“She’ll have her summer holidays now and then we’ll discuss what happens in the autumn.”

The winning rider added: “She’s really clever to jump, she listens to you and she always does what you want. It was very straightforward, she got into a great rhythm and she was brilliant.”

Bred by KCS Bloodstock, the dual Listed winner is owned by Orla and Nicholas Fahy.