Yeats Mare Digs Deep For Maiden Hurdle Success

Friday saw the promising Barbaha Queen (6m Yeats - Five Of Spades, by Presenting) get off the mark in the two mile maiden hurdle at Clonmel.

Placed on both her previous starts over hurdles, John Ryan’s charge was partnered by John Shinnick for the first time at Clonmel and chased the clear leader for much of the way. Leading with two left to jump, she was pushed along when challenged approaching the final flight and was ridden out to deny the favourite by a neck.

Ryan, who owns and trains the winner, later commented, “She is decent and will now go for a nice novice hurdle. Her dam was a sister to Savello who was quite a good horse and there is lots in her pedigree.”

Barbaha Queen was bred by Anthony Walsh and is a half-sister to four-time winner Latino Fling (Milan).