Sunset gets the Kash in Limerick opener

Kashmiri Sunset got off the mark on his fifth start over flights, taking the opener at Limerick, the Keanes Jewellers Ladies Day 9th October (C & G) Maiden Hurdle.

A beaten odds-on favourite on his last two starts, the Gordon Elliott trained five-year-old was fitted with a tongue strap for the first time today.

After opening at 4/7 on-course, the son of Tiger Hill came in for plenty of market support, going off the clear 2/5 favourite under Jack Kennedy.

Having led and disputed throughout, he had a good battle with Sizing Alberta in the home straight, with just three parts of a length separating them at the line.

Sizing Alberta was returned a 4/1 chance under the returning Jonathan Burke for Henry De Bromhead, while Leopards Leap kept on well to take third, a further two lengths back under Sean Flanagan for Noel Meade.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "He's been knocking on the door for a while and Jack gave him a good ride.

"He has won so I'm happy enough and it's another winner. We might look for a novice hurdle in England as his owners are from the UK (Paul and Clare Rooney). He'll definitely step up in trip."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes