Iriskana grinds out maiden victory

The Sam Curling-trained Iriskana got her head in front when grinding out victory in the mares maiden hurdle at Roscommon.

Dan King stepped in for the ride on the 9/4 favourite and delivered her to challenge two from home in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

She battled it out with Lucky Viv from the final flight and outstayed that rival in the closing stages to record a comprehensive seven-and-a-half length win.

“She was entitled to do that off her last few runs. It's unfortunate for Cian (Quirke), who got hurt on Saturday at Listowel but he'll be back,” said Curling.

“She's a nice mare, stays well and she'll probably stay going for another while. She liked the ground and I'm delighted with her.

“I'd say the track suited her today, the track last time didn't really suit as she likes to get into a rhythm and she stayed at it well.”