Favourite backers got off to a bright start at Limerick when the well-supported 11/8 shot Alans Pride took the Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie Claiming Race at his ease.

Trained locally by Richard O'Brien the Footstepsinthesand gelding with Billy Lee up, beat Guanabara Bay by three and three parts of a length.

"He was wrong with a few at the weights but did it very well. He's been a great fun horse and we've had a wonderful time with him. It's great for the lads who own him - Charlie Maguire and Alan Devine - who bought him first day for E2,000 and gave him to me," said O'Brien.

"It's my first winner here and it's great.

"He's a great tough sound horse but from our point of view it would work out great (were he claimed) as we've got two wins out of him and it's good business if he's gone, so we'd probably let him go if he is claimed.

"He's in at Tipperary next Thursday and could easily turn out there if he's not claimed."

Subsequently there were no claims in the race.

R.P. Cleary, rider of Barrys Girl trained by Daniel William O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was checked going to the line which may have cost him a place.

(TW & EM)