Champion jockey Pat Smullen got off the mark for the new campaign when partnering a 25/1 double aboard Miracle Ridge and Easy Sunshine.
Jim Gorman saddled three runners in the opening six furlongs Cork Handicap, and they filled three of the first four placings as Miracle Ridge weaved his way through under Smullen to collar stablemate Castanetta in the final 100 yards for a length-and-a-half success.
'That's my first winner since moving into David Hanley's former yard at Maddenstown Lodge. The horses are all a few weeks behind due to the move, but Miracle Ridge benefitted from a run at the Curragh last week,' said Gorman.
Dermot Weld also got on the scoresheet this term when Easy Sunshine justified evens favouritism in the Newmarket Motors Maiden, leading off the home turn for a comfortable length-and-a-half verdict over Martin Gunne.
'My horses have been a bit slow to come to hand this year, and I also have less three-year-olds this time. Easy Sunshine is already Group placed, and she may go next for the Listed Athasi Stakes at the Curragh (May 6),' said Weld.
A hurdling career awaits American Gothic after Fran Berry seized the initiative early in the straight to beat Room To Room Value by a cosy two lengths in the featured Siucra Handicap. 'Fran did the right thing as all he does is stay, and he may be sold soon to go hurdling,' said trainer Charles O'Brien.
Statue Of Liberty was all the rage for the EBF Maiden, but those who backed the Storm Cat juvenile down to 2/9 were made to sweat as he overcame greeness to beat Petite Histoire by three-quarters-of-a-length. The result was confirmed after a stewards enquiry into two incidents including inside the final furlong were the two principals appeared to squeeze third placed Jemmy John.
Esterlina maintained John Oxx's good start to the season when leading over a furlong out under John Murtagh to beat Rahn by two lengths in the Dromahane Race.
Alan Magee
