RACING:BANIMPIRE APPRECIATED the step up to a mile-and-a-half to land her third Group Three victory of the season in the Kerry Group Noblesse Stakes at Cork yesterday.

A creditable fifth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas on her latest start, the 7 to 4 favourite swept to a convincing three-length verdict over long-time leader Sense Of Purpose under Kevin Manning.

Amazing Beauty was third with Polly’s Mark, trained by Clive Cox, fourth.

Trainer Jim Bolger’s representative Ger Flynn said: “We were delighted with that. She did it really well.

“She got the mile and four furlongs with no problem. Kevin said she hardly had a race.

“The Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot on Thursday is still very much on the agenda.”

Earlier, Inxile picked up another decent pot for “sprint king” Dandy Nicholls with a customary, all-the-way success in the Galtee Midsummer Sprint Stakes.

Ridden by the North Yorkshire trainer’s son Adrian, the six-year-old pinged the stalls from his favoured far-side draw and was soon in command.

The evens favourite was always going too well for the opposition and kept on strongly to beat fellow British raider Liberty Lady by three-quarters of a length. Oor Jock was third.

Tiddliwinks, a third British raider, finished at the rear after his saddle slipped a furlong out.

Nicholls senior said: “He’ll have next weekend off and go to the Curragh for the Group Three Sapphire Stakes on Irish Derby day.

“Then he’ll go for the Nunthorpe Stakes and the Prix de l’Abbaye.

“He’s a tough horse and we decided to give Ascot a skip and we have got two wins as a result.

“Adrian gave him a great ride as he can be keen, but he locked him away in front. He only has two speeds: zero and flat out! He also has to be led down early.”