Mangan keeps Russell at bay

The concession of a stone proved the undoing of the gambled-on Angelas Money (5/1 this morning into 5/2) as Jane Mangan excelled on the favourite, Blazing Sonnet the half a length victor of the Demesne Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Equipped with cheek-pieces for the first-time, Blazing Sonnet proved to be too tough a rival for Angelas Money, after a great battle between the pair up the straight.

Davy Russell was without irons on Angelas Money from the last. Regardless of that it seems like there was just no way past Blazing Sonnet on this occasion as the consistent sort shed her maiden tag at the eleventh attempt.

Winning owner/trainer/breeder Willie Austin said: "I don't know where she'll go now as I don't think she's that well-treated in handicaps although she might win one with Jane's 7Ib claim.

"She gave her a brilliant ride there – she's a great 7Ib claimer – but it's not easy to get her (so much in demand)." (TW & EM)