Nick's Nikita wins Noblesse Stakes

Mick Halford's Nick's Nikita (7-1) gained a deserved victory in the feature race of the day in Cork, the Group Three Kerry Group Noblesse Stakes.

Not beaten far in her previous three starts this year, the four-year-old came with a determined run down the outside under Rory Cleary and won by a length from John Oxx’s Athenian Way.

John Dunlop’s Wannabe Posh fared best of a strong British Challenge and made a bid for home a long way out under Eddie Ahern.

But she was worn down inside the final furlong and was pipped on the line for second.

The market leaders, James Given’s Trick Or Treat and Paul Cole’s High Heel Sneakers, were ultimately disappointing.

Halford said: “We’ve had this race in mind from the start of the season for her. This trip (a mile and a half) has brought out the best in her today. She’s come a long way from a handicap.

“She’s consistent and honest and she deserved that. We have no firm plans for her. I’m delighted for Rory though, he gave her a great ride.”