Magic Daze makes all for convincing victory in mares maiden

Magic Daze justified odds-on favouritism in decisive fashion in the opening Kilsheelan (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The daughter of Doyen, who cost 92,000 pounds after winning a Curraghmore point-to-point for Colin Bowe in October 2019, made a promising debut under rules in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

Rachael Blackmore elected to make all on the 4/9 favourite, trained by Henry de Bromhead for Robcour, and drew clear along with chief market rival Nelly’s Money before the third last. No Fame No Game made good headway before the penultimate flight but Magic Daze soon asserted and had nine lengths to spare over that rival at the line.

Nelly’s Money could find no extra from early in the straight finishing a further 20 lengths back in third with the remainder of the 14-runner field strung out behind.

De Bromhead said, "She is a lovely mare, did it very well and while that probably wasn't her ideal ground, it was great to see her go out and do it.

"She jumped brilliant and is a real chaser in the making and I'm just delighted to win with her.

"Riding arrangement-wise I'm not sure what way the Robcour runners are at the moment and Robbie (Power) rode a winner for us recently in those colours. We'll see how it unfolds."

The Knockeen trainer also commented on his recent Grade 1 winner Bob Olinger saying, "He's great, not a bother on him. He'll head into the spring now anyway and I imagine Cheltenham but not sure what race yet although I'd be leaning towards the Ballymore.

"He has got pace, also seems to stay and has the gears. He relaxed really well at Naas and it was lovely to see him get a lead which really suited him."

(TW & AM)