Princess Child wears the crown at Galway

Princess Child, who has been campaigned exclusively in Listed and Group races for over a year, dropped down in grade to land the valuable Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap at Galway.

The consistent four-year-old filly had finished second in a Listed event at the track on Thursday but was able to land her first win since racing in France as a juvenile.

Since joining Joseph O’Brien she was more than paid her way, finishing second in four Listed races.

However, this was the first time her handler had run her in a handicap since her first start for new connections in June 2024 and she was sent off 5-1 to gain a first win in Ireland.

Gleneagle Bay made a bold bid for home but Dylan Browne McMonagle brought Princess Child with a powerful run and she went on to win by a length and a quarter with Colm Quinn Mile winner Dunum back in third.

“She had a good run here the last day. She was very unlucky and just didn’t get the rub of the green until the straight,” said the winning rider.

“She’s had a couple of days to freshen up again and was bouncing around the parade ring and felt great going to post.

“The pace was good and even for me to aim at, and she quickened up good to win well. She seemed to get through the ground well.

“You need plenty of luck when you are drawn in there (stall six) but I definitely had a willing partner.

“She’s a very consistent filly and seems to grow a leg on this ground. She likes it around here and always runs a good race here. Hopefully she can progress into stakes company again and get her head in front.”