Ooh Betty was all heart when seeing off every rival in the BetMGM Warfield Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot.
A real return to form was required of Ben Clarke’s eight-year-old mare, who had been unplaced in both starts so far this season and started at 7-1 back at Grade Two level, for a race in which she was third 12 months ago.
Ridden by Ben Jones in a field of four, she repaid the patience of connections in spades when battling to a tough half-length victory from even-money favourite La Conquiere.
“I’m thrilled with her, she really deserved to win that,” said Clarke.
“On her form she’s got three ducks eggs next to her name, but she had a very good reason for each one.
“I thought we had her spot on, but then the ground turned soft and that went against her. We nearly didn’t run her, but, as I said to the owners, she’s eight and we had to be brave and give it a go.
“Thank god we did, she was so brave and she loves Ascot.
“The race-winning move was probably when Ben turned in and grabbed the inside rail, she was brave all the way up the run-in and saw them all off one by one.
“It feels a bit surreal, I’m just delighted with her.”
Of future plans, Clarke added: “We could look at the Scottish Champion Hurdle again, there are a couple of other options too, but we’ll just enjoy today first.
“You probably won’t see her again until March when the ground is a bit quicker because she’s an even better filly on better ground.”