Jer's girl makes no mistake in mares novice final at Fairyhouse
Jer's Girl ran out a most impressive winner of the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse.
A Listed winner at Aintree earlier in the season, the four-year-old was subsequently touched off by Triumph Hurdle runner-up Apple's Jade at Leopardstown before returning to Foxrock to finish fifth in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle.
Carrying the colours of JP McManus for the first time, Gavin Cromwell's filly was the 3-1 favourite in the hands of Barry Geraghty.
Ridden less aggressively than has been the case in her previous starts, Jer's Girl settled well in midfield before making good headway to close on the leaders after jumping the third flight from the finish.
She quickened up to lead after the second-last and powered clear for a 13-length success.
British raider Jessber's Dream narrowly beat Asthuria to the runner-up spot.
Cromwell was over the moon to secure his first victory at the highest level.
He said: "I'm in shock and she's done it so well. I wasn't worried about the two and a half miles, particularly as it isn't bottomless ground.
"All her form is solid but you just don't know about a juvenile taking on the older horses. Punchestown has to be part of the plans.
"Her (former) owners were against going to Cheltenham on the faster ground, and in fairness it looks a good decision."
