Rock proves too strong at Cork

A combination of unsafe road conditions and concerns over partially frosty ground resulted in just five runners contest the Kanturk Maiden Hurdle at Cork today, with victory eventually going to the Mouse Morris trained Shane Rock (4/5 favourite).

Ridden by Niall Slippers Madden, the son of King's Theatre raced in second before moving through to eventually lead from two out, staying on well for a comfortable four lengths win.

Afterwards Morris stated “the ground is much faster that Shane Rock would like today but he did it well enough. He got a fright when he fell at Leopardstown over Christmas but I couldn't school him since due to the frosty ground – he'll make a nice staying chaser in time.”