Racing went ahead after an early morning inspection, and punters got the better of the exchanges including the odds-on success of So Supreme in division one of the Merck Sharp & Dohme EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The four-year-old, trained and ridden by Charlie Swan, was prominent throughout, and shook off the challenge of main market rival Cailin's Perk in the straight to eventually score by a comfortable seven lengths. 'She was never really travelling in that ground (soft to heavy) but is a tough sort. I was trying to get some black type in her previous two runs, and this was certainly a drop in class,' said Swan.
The market also proved a good guide in the opening Clonmel Oil/Stat Oil 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle where Environment also justified favouritism. Pat Martin's charge made smooth headway to head Rivervail two out, and kept on well to beat that rival by four and a half lengths. 'She jumps well, and really loves soft ground. I will find a winners race for him at one of the country tracks,' said Martin.
Michael Hourigan reports Dorans Pride in fine form despite being given a weekend off, and missing out on the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown. 'With all the wet weather, I have decided to give him a little break and wait for the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown,' said the Limerick handler after saddling Mr Red Banner to take the Clonmel Oil/Stat Oil Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. The topweight had plenty in hand under Robbie McNally in beating Coralpha by two lengths.
