Mint Candy off the mark at fourth attempt

Aidan O'Brien's Mint Candy was made 5/6 favourite to reverse Punchestown form with Joyful Princess in the opener at Thurles, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden over a mile, and duly did just that in the hands of Wayne Lordan.

Smartly out from stall one in contrast to Joyful Princess who missed a beat from the outside gate, the daughter of Dubawi made all and was ridden clear in the straight to account for that rival by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

The winner races in the blue and white quartered colours of Canadian businessman Joe Poulin who shares ownership of her with the Coolmore partners.

Lordan said: "She doesn't show you everything but she had three lovely runs and feels like there is plenty in there. She won well, hit the line well and will come forward. 

"I had a good draw, had the experience to go along in front and it was nice to get her to win. The step up in trip was no problem and next year she will get further."

Quotes from Tom Weekes