Pretty Perfect leaves poor Guineas run behind

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed and several representatives of the Cork Flat Breeders were present for a high-class programme at Mallow racecourse yesterday afternoon, where the featured Munster Oaks went to the Aidan O’Brien-trained Pretty Perfect.

Sent to the front from the outset, she was a little keen early but Colm O’Donoghue got her settled and was able to dictate matters. The would-be challengers queued up as they turned for home, but O’Donoghue had kept plenty, and duly sent his mount for home.

The Galileo filly, bouncing back from a sub-par display in the Irish 1000 Guineas, ran on strongly to score with plenty to spare, with easy-to-back favourite Shamreen four lengths back in second place.