Dalmatia a mare on the up

She took a walk in the market on track (13/8 out to 5/2) but Dalmatia ran out a convincing victor of the Kilsheelan (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The well-related grey made a lovely start at the jumping game on Champion Hurdle Day at Leopardstown, and here Adrian Heskin elected to make all on the 14,000 guineas purchase from the Michael Stoute yard.

The favourite asserted from before the last to account for Blazing West by six and a half lengths. Iamtoldiamgrand was under pressure in third when making a bad mistake and unseating rider at the second last flight.

"She was entitled to win today, on the basis of her Leopardstown run, and she'll go to Limerick on St Patrick's weekend (March 15) next for a Grade 3 novice hurdle," revealed in-form winning trainer Eddie Harty.

"It's her first time getting her head in front but she has time on her side and I'm delighted for her owner, Andy Clarke, from Clane, who has never had luck with his horses before. I convinced him in five minutes last December to buy her." (TW & EM)