Michael Graham
Marygale Bridge gives Walsh a double
Marygale Bridge, left, prevails from Myztique
© Photo Healy Racing
No less than 10 horses charged round the home bend in contention in the two and a quarter mile mares' maiden hurdle at Limerick but it was Marygale Bridge who took the honours in the end.
The 16/1 shot travelled well to draw alongside Goulane Davina approaching the second last. At this flight 11/8 favourite Myztique was driven to close on the outside.
Marygale Bridge was ridden between the final two hurdles and opened up a lead of a length at the last from Myztique. She raced along the far rail and stayed gun-barrel straight as Myztique threw everything at her. The runner-up couldn't quite get on terms and went down by a neck. Ballybrowney Ella at 25/1 completed the placings.
John Joe Walsh said: "She loved the ground and got a great ride from Brian.
"She won a point-to-point bumper at Cork so had a bit of form and she stays.
"Today was the day but she'll go handicapping now and also got the 5,000 euro tag (bonus scheme) too!"
This gave John Joe Walsh a double on the card as he took the opener with Positive Approach His Monasteradenpauric was also second in race two.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes