Altesse pips Ballybacka Queen at Leopardstown

Altesse got up in the last few yards to land the Listed spoils in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes at Leopardstown.

The consistent filly had been placed in all her six previous starts since making a successful debut, and got her back in front where it mattered.

Island Remede, running for the first time since moving from Ed Dunlop’s stable to Henry de Bromhead, set the pace, with Ballybacka Queen keeping her company.

The latter, trained by Pat Fahy, led a furlong out, but Altesse (11-4) was within touching distance and the Jim Bolger-trained mare was delivered with precision by Kevin Manning to score by half a length.

Island Remede was four lengths back in third, while Zannda, the 7-4 favourite, was fourth, having never been able to strike a blow.

Bolger said: “I wouldn’t risk her on firm ground but she goes well on all other types of ground. She’s very consistent.

“She could go for the Vintage Crop Stakes over a mile and six (furlongs) at Navan (May 15).

“The trip doesn’t really matter that much as long as she gets a good pace.”