Dashing Shirocco hits high notes in Cork Andrew Slattery's Dashing Shirocco built on the promise of a fourth place on debut to take the Mallow Mares Maiden Hurdle in Cork. It was just over three weeks ago that she ran at the same venue as a 125/1 chance and finished just out of the placings in an 18 runner maiden hurdle. The Shirocco filly travelled well to head Rosa Gloriosa approaching the home bend and increased the margin two out which she wasn't fluent at. However, the chasing Rosa Gloriosa also flicked through it and Dashing Shirocco soon asserted before the last where a good jump there sealed the deal. She came in by seven lengths under Cian Quirke to reward punters who took the 8/1. Elle Perfecta ran on for second at 100/1 by a head from Hurricane Georgie (22/1) as Rosa Gloriosa dropped a short head out of the places. The trainer's brother, and assistant trainer, Willie Slattery said: “She surprised us the last day and the horse that was third has won since so she had to have a chance on that. “The owner has been very lucky this year and we’ll find a mares' winner-of-one for her somewhere.” The owner is well-known tenor Dr Ronan Tynan who was in attendance. The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of sixth-placed Cute Cherry (GB), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, and trained by Mrs Denise Foster. Evidence was heard from the horses rider and the trainers representative. J.W. Kennedy stated that his instructions were to jump off mid division, hold onto her and make the best of his way home. He added that Cute Cherry jumped deliberately, didn't travel as well as he would have liked, and ended up further back than he wanted but that she stayed on past beaten horses in the straight. In his opinion Cute Cherry would benefit from a step up to two and a half miles and a slower run race to help her jumping. Mr Brian Flood, Authorised representative for Mrs Denise Foster, had nothing further to add. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that Cute Cherry was blowing hard post race and showing signs of a delayed recovery. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations given. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
