Black rocks rivals in mares event

Black Rock Lake confirmed trainer Tom McCourt's belief that she is best on right-handed tracks when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle in fine style.

The grey daughter of Daylami is one of four horses that Duleek owner Sean Gallagher has in training with the Stamullen handler.

Paul Townend rode her close to the pace throughout, and she stayed on strongly after two good leaps at the hurdles approaching the straight to beat fellow 8/1 chance Benefique by three and a half lengths. First Beauty (10/1) was a further length and a half away in third. The start of this race was delayed nine minutes due to problems with the tack on Cinderella Story who eventually finished fifth.

McCourt said: “She was travelling like a winner when falling at Kilbeggan on her second last run, and is in there again on Friday in a mares winners hurdle but that's doubtful now after this.

“She needs good ground, and will go chasing maybe this year. It's possible she could go for a mares hurdle at Listowel.”

Alan Magee