Slade powers to victory in Cork opener

The opening race of the 2012 Cork Easter Festival, the Mallow Town Summer BBQ Evening July 13th Handicap over six furlongs for 3yo's only, went to the well supported 6/4 favourite Slade Power who swooped late to score for his trainer Eddie Lynam with Johnny Murtagh aboard.

Having finished a promising second to Reply on his debut at the Curragh last May, the son of Dutch Art was not seen again until Dundalk in early December where he deliver on his debut promise by scoring at the odds of 11/10 favourite.

Ridden with confidence by Johnny Murtagh today, the bay colt was held up towards the rear early on before improving into third as they entered the final furlong.

He then powered to the front before going on to score by a length and a quarter at the line.

8/1 shot Nini Ok who finished second under Shane Foley for John Murphy, drifted badly right and bumped into Seanie with a furlong left to race.

That hampered Seanie who eventually finished fifth under Colm O’Donoghue with Chocolate Hills for Ger Lyons and Megan Carberry taking third a further length and three parts back at 8/1.

Winning trainer Edward Lynam said afterwards: "We always liked him and we think he is a very good horse. He is a very bubbly type and we only do half speeds with him at home.

"His mother (Girl Power) was also very hot. She was like Sinead O’Connor on speed!"

When asked about the sweat patches on the winner, Lynam added "the trainer had sweat patches too!"

Lynam then went on to say: "A rocking horse would win in those colours at the moment." (DM & TW)