Doubt can't manage Shadow in battle of the mares

Joseph O'Brien understandably has many fans at this stage and supporters of Shadow Eile were quite vocal in the Ballinrobe crowd urging the Ballydoyle teenager home aboard Dot Love's mare in the opening www.ballinroberacecourse.com Maiden.

The battle of the smart jumping mares, Shadow Eile and Dare To Doubt developed in the final two furlongs – as the market suggested it would. Try as they might, Pat Smullen and Dare To Doubt couldn't find a way past, a length and a quarter separated them at the line with the third in the betting Benash two lengths further back in third. They left Rising Euro fifteen lengths behind in fourth.

Love's long-time assistant Ciaran Murphy said: "She's in the Galway Hurdle but if it's looking like she mightn't get in, there is a nice mile and six race for her there as well. She has plenty of boot."

Meanwhile Love commented: "She's a real genuine ride. She might have just got a bit tired in the ground."

Love and Murphy have a big appointment in London on the horizon as the latter's brother Joseph will compete in the Olympics in the three day event. (DM & EM)