Acclaimed lands gamble in opener Much Acclaimed landed a nice touch when making a winning debut over timber in the opening Mayo News Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe. John Morrison's charge had been available at 33/1 in the morning but that didn't last long and he was sent off 14/1 on course. Paddy Mangan sent his mount on turning for home in the two-miler but he was soon tackled by In A Nutshell. The pair battled it out from the last with Much Acclaimed getting on top close home for a length-and-a-half success. The winner came across the runner-up close to the line but the stewards let the result stand after having a look. "Today was the plan. It might not have been the strongest race but he'll make a nice hurdler," said Morrison's representative Darren Pratt. "He'll go the novice hurdle route but could run in a Flat race at Galway next." Mangan was severely cautioned by the stewards for careless riding.
