Twomey plot pays off as Pearls Galore shines best to bag Group 3 Brownstown

There are few better than Paddy Twomey to target a race and the long-term plan for Pears Galore paid dividends at Fairyhouse on Sunday with the filly landing Group 3 glory in the Brownstown Stakes.

A chance at the top level in the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September could be next for Pearls Galore after she proved herself a progressive four-year-old under Billy Lee.

Twomey said: “She's a very well-bred filly and this race has been the plan all year as I wanted to make her a Group winner.

“I have her in the Matron and I'd say that will probably be the plan. Good ground or better is essential for her and she won't show up otherwise. I don’t think she’ll run before the Matron.”

The trainer added: “I made that mistake last year and even running on the all-weather her foot goes in too far, she just likes to ping off the top of it.

“Barring the day I ran her on the all-weather, she's never put a foot wrong. There's not a lot of her there, she's not very big.”

First for Coolmore

Johnny Murtagh recorded many a memorable success in the saddle while sporting the Coolmore silks but Ever A Dream's victory in the 1m4f handicap represented an important first as the trainer sent out his first winner for the powerhouse owners.

Winning rider Danny Sheehy said: “She's been working well at home and it's madness that she hasn't got her head in front until today. Cheekpieces were a big help. She jumped out, got her own way in front and enjoyed herself.”

Ever A Dream: victorious for Coolmore and trainer Johnny MurtaghCredit: Patrick McCann

He added: “She kept finding to the line – she never stopped. There is no issue with trip or stamina. I'm very grateful to Johnny for the opportunity. It's great to ride a winner in these colours. It's my first time putting them on and I'm delighted.”

McDonald's day

Julie McDonald had a day to remember as the 18-year-old apprentice notched her first success from just her third ride when she guided Miss Louise to a taking victory in division one of the 1m4f handicap.

Julie McDonald: the 18-year-old rode her first winner at Fairyhouse on SundayCredit: Patrick McCann

Winning trainer Pat Murphy said: “It’s a special win for Julie on just her third spin. She has been with me for three years and took her licence out in January. She has been riding this filly for a few weeks now and seems to have got a nice tune out of her.”

He added: “She used to do a bit of pony racing. I’d like to thank the owner, Oliver Casey, for giving Julie the ride. The mare had become inconsistent and we said we’d try something different. If anything, Julie has helped rejuvenate her.”

Results, replays and analysis

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