Leopardstown: Keppols Queen eases home in Mares Hurdle

Jessica Harrington dominated the Willis EBF Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown as Keppols Queen defeated stablemate Rock On The Moor by 11 lengths.

For much of the race it appeared to be going to plan for short-priced favourite Morning Run, who was unbeaten in six outings for Willie Mullins but was having her first start for 332 days.

However, she barely took off at the second-last and it soon became apparent Ruby Walsh realised there was not much left in the tank.

By then, Mark Bolger had moved Keppols Queen (14-1) to within a length of Morning Run and kicked clear turning into the straight.

A fine leap over the last and the Grade Three was hers, with Rock On The Moor a clear second ahead of a legless Morning Run.

Harrington said: “She was absolutely brilliant and I think she likes small fields.

“She has run in a couple of handicaps this year and she just hasn’t enjoyed it at all.

“I thought on ratings she was way out of it, but she was race fit.

“Rock On The Moor ran brilliantly but she needed it (the run).”