Drakaina prevails on handicap debut

Handicap debutant Drakaina took division one of the two mile handicap hurdle, the Denis Murphy Racing & MSK Silversands Supporting Wexford Camogie Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old daughter of Oscar finished tenth of twenty on her debut in a bumper at Cork last July, but showed very little on three hurdles starts since.

Sent off at 20/1 today (from 25's on-course, and 33's in early shows), she was settled in mid-division by rider/trainer Paul Power.

She was fifth four out, and travelled strongly in fourth before the next. She was pushed along to challenge after that flight, and hit the front before the last, staying on well from there to score by two lengths.

The 100/30 favourite Tintown Robin kept on to take second under Phillip Enright for Vincent Halley, while Alterno 18/1) was a neck back in third with Ben Dalton in the saddle for Des McDonogh.

Paul Power said afterwards: "We were hopeful of a good run. We always liked her but she disappointed a few times on soft ground. It was her first time in a handicap today and she found her level and ground.

"She will go for something similar. She is owned by Paul Hibbard from England and my mother Bride."

The winner is a full-sister to Baltiman who won three times for Susan Finn, taking a Grade 3 over fences at Tipperary in October of 2008.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Mustadaam trained by Miss Ellmarie Holden, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be struck into on his right hind leg otherwise to be post race normal.

The Stewards requested a report from Paul Power, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Drakaina, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Paul Power reported that his charge was a very small filly who was unable to handle soft to heavy underfoot conditions and had benefitted from today's good ground. He also felt that the lesser standard of contest today was another contributing factor. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.