Getaway Mare Stamps Her Class In Maiden Hurdle

Say Goodbye (5m Getaway - Princess Mairead, by Blueprint) proved far too good for her rivals when winning Saturday’s Mares Maiden Hurdle at Bellewstown.

A fine second last time out, the Denise Foster-trained mare stepped up to two and a half miles at the weekend and was ridden to chase the leaders by Rachael Blackmore. Making headway on the turn for home, she led at the third last and went clear on the run-in to win by eight and a half lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “She has enjoyed that trip, she is a gorgeous big Getaway mare. She will be a fantastic mare over fences eventually.” On future plans, she added, “They will all chat and see where she goes next, but the world is her oyster at the moment anyway.”

Owned by Robcour, Say Goodbye was bought by Mags O’Toole at the Derby Sale for €125,000. The daughter of Grange Stud sire Getaway was bred by William Mangan and is an own-sister to Grade 1 chaser The Big Breakaway (Getaway). A full-brother to the pair sold for €85,000 at last year’s foal sales.