Royal Hollow triumphed in the West 'Howaya' Maiden Hurdle

Andy Slattery's Royal Hollow took full advantage of the weight allowances in the West 'Howaya' Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

Rider Philip Donovan guided her to the front after the first flight, and they steadily built their lead. By three out, Royal Hollow had established a clear advantage, but Fatal Flaw began to close the gap after the next hurdle.

As they approached the final jump, it looked like Fatal Flaw might challenge for the win, but Royal Hollow had no intention of ceding her lead. She surged down the run-in, crossing the finish line with a 10-length victory.

The odds reflected her strong performance, shifting from 5/2 to 13/8 favourite, while Fatal Flaw fluctuated from 6/4 to 2/1. Huntsgrove trailed in third, finishing 15 lengths behind at 20/1.

Royal Hollow had previously finished second on her jumping debut at Bellewstown and had placed in five of her six bumpers. 

Assistant trainer Willie Slattery commented, "She only had ten stone six (pounds) on her back, and we thought, if she didn't throw it away, that she couldn't get beat. She's nearly won every race she's run in, but she, not the jockeys, managed to throw them all away by being too keen. I ride her out at home and have been trying to teach her to do things right. She's learning, I think. Andy wanted her to do the running today, and it was probably the day to do it with all the weight she was getting. I didn't see the sectionals yet, but I'd say she went a fair gallop and didn't get an easy lead anyway. She'll probably go back on the Flat next and stick to mares' company over hurdles. The aim is to get a bit of black-type with her."