Well-bred Jesina makes the breakthrough

Jesina made the breakthrough on her fourteenth start, as she took the first divide of the Sweeney Oil Handicap Hurdle.

Previously trained by Jessica Harrington and bought by current connections for 15,500 guineas in January, she was fifth and fourth on her first two starts for Eoin McCarthy and the Just Seen Ya Racing Syndicate.

Closely related to the likes of Jezki, Jered, Jetson and Jett, the Milan seven-year-old was sent off a 14/1 chance and was settled in mid-division by Ambrose McCurtin.

Taking closer order from four out, the bay victor got to the front shortly after the second last and was ridden out on the run-in to see off the effort of Glenmalure Lodge by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

The runner-up was returned a 5/1 chance under Paddy O'Hanlon for Philip Rothwell, while Littletwinklestar (20/1) made late progress and was another seven lengths away in third.

Returned the 7/2 favourite, Sittingonthefence finished a disappointing eleventh under JJ Slevin for Sonny Carey.

"She's well bred and the main thing was to get a win with her," McCarthy commented in the aftermath.

"Mark Quaid bought her for breeding and he said if we could find a syndicate we could work away with her. I was delighted to get a syndicate together for her within a week.

"It took us a while to figure her out but she's been going in the right direction and when you go back in her pedigree, when that family starts to improve, they can maintain it so hopefully there's another one in her. She was off a good mark and stays well.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Florey Spud trained by P.F.O'Donnell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have a superficial wound to his right hind post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Paidi's Passion trained by D.M. Christie, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be showing signs of being in season.

A.P. Kelly, rider of Florey Spud, trained by P.F.O'Donnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

Stephen Gerard Carey, trainer of Sittingonthefence, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge scoped badly post race.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan