Sapphire shines brightest in Wexford opener

Miss Sapphire justified 2/1 favouritism in the opener at Wexford, the Monbeg Stables Donnacha Doyle Racing Ltd Supporting Wexford Camoige Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Successful on debut in a bumper at Limerick over Christmas, the Willie Mullins trained daughter of Flemensfirth was then third to Fayonagh in a Listed bumper at Fairyhouse.

She was second on her debut over flights at Cork last month, and opened on-course at 6/4 today, before drifting out to her starting price of 2/1.

Having raced mainly in third under Danny Mullins, she came through to lead after three out. She was ridden after the next, and despite a sloppy jump at the last, she kept on well to score by a length and a half. The Kings Baby finished second under Conor Brassil for Moses McCabe at 13/2, while Miss Sassie (25/1) was another two and three parts of a length back in third under Dylan Robinson for Paul Nolan.

Danny Mullins said afterwards: "It was a good performance. She is tough and galloped all the way to the line. She got under the last a little bit, but she has improved a lot from the last day. It’s great to get one home and it’s my first winner of the new season.

"My mother (Mags Mullins) is involved with her, she bred her, and thankfully Willie has let me ride her."

The winner is owned by the Blue Bloods Racing Club, which is made up of members of An Garda Siochana.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a request from Gordon Elliott, trainer of Mischief Maisy to substitute the nominated rider M.P. Fogarty, with B.T. O'Connell, due to the unavailability of the rider which had not been established at the time of nomination of riders. Having considered the evidence of Mary Nugent, Authorised representative of Gordon Elliot and also the trainers record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned Gordon Elliot concerning his responsibility to confirm a riders availability before nominating that person to ride. The Stewards allowed the request.

A.W. Short, rider of Julie's Luck trained by Robert Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout this race.

P.D. Kennedy, rider of The Girl Drawer trained by Seamus Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was making a respiratory noise before being pulled up in this race.

R. Walsh, rider of White Lilac trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly throughout.