Ayr Of Elegance wins under stylish Blackmore Ayr Of Elegance, on her thirteenth start over flights, got off the mark under NH rules by winning the mares’ rated novice hurdle at Limerick. Henry De Bromhead’s winner (7s into 5/1 on course) added to four wins on the Flat when trained in Britain, by getting home by three quarters of a length from the rallying Inishbel (7/2). She had looked in trouble at the end of the back straight, but responded well to Rachael Blackmore’s urgings to land the spoils. The 11/4 favourite Gotthenod was eased and pulled up by Cathal Landers before the second last, and the jockey later reported that his shoulder had popped out during the race and he was unable to be of assistance to the mare. Winning rider Rachael Blackmore observed afterwards : “She likes to be passing horses and she stayed well. Henry’s horses are fit and well, and my job is easy.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
