Magical Zoe (Shantou) maintains her unbeaten record and wins the Feathard Lady Mares Novice Hurdle, Grade III at Down Royal for Henry De Bromhead and owner Patrick Bryceland.
The mare travelled smoothly throughout and came with a strong late run under Adrian Heskin to win easily at the line. She looks to have a good level of ability and will likely stay further in time, but for now will have a raft of targets over two miles through the winter. After the race jockey Heskin said ”She went around on the bridle in Wexford first time out and she’ll really learn from the job there. She travelled a little bit too well early and she came home really strong. She certainly has a lot of ability.
“I rode her in a schooling race in Tipperary a few weeks ago and I was quite pleased with her on the day but Henry wasn’t overly impressed with her, so he got her home and got her pin perfect for today. He said to drop her in and get her to settle and come home, and anything we can pick up will be a bonus. She picked up the lot, so it was great. I was delighted to come over.
“It is fantastic for the two lads here that own her – Patrick and Scott Bryceland – they sponsor me, but more than that they are great friends. They are great people for the game.
“We were all aware that it was a learning curve with her. To be fair, these are great friends of mine and I’d go to the moon to ride for them.”
Magical Zoe was purchased for £140,000 at the 2022 Goffs Aintree Sale.
