First-time blinkers work for Weld winner

Trainer Dermot Weld made the trip to Clonmel this evening and left with a winner courtesy of Treasure The Ridge in the Fethard Maiden.

Pat Smullen, on the first-time blinkered 4/6 favourite, attempted to make all but looked under pressure early in the straight as Massini's Trap and then Noble Call arrived with challenges to join the leader. However, Smullen forced the gelding back in front inside the last to score an eventual three parts of a length win.

Afterwards Weld, whose Sharp Crisp Air finished second in the opener, stated “that was a good battling performance but the strength of the jockey was required! He (the horse) has been consistent and will slip back into handicap company now.

“He'll get a mile and a half and could possibly be one to go over hurdles and while 'he is what he is', he's now gone and won for us so we're happy!”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Donal Murphy.