Derrylinda wins Cork's opener

Derrylinda (4/1) made a winning return to action to win Cork's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle today, scoring easily under jockey Keith Donoghue for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

Held up behind the leaders the daughter of Soldier Of Fortune moved to challenge travelling well at the second last, led at the last and finished well for a three and a half lengths win over Ocean Of Mercy

Cromwell wasn't present and Donoghue said it was a good performance and she did it well.

“She was a weak mare last year, was very green and we have been teaching her to settle at home. Gavin obviously thought she was a decent enough mare to run her in a Grade 1 race last April but she wasn't fully filled into herself and has strengthened up since.

“The ground is yielding.”