Ocean Voyage and Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Untidiness at the last two flights aside, it was as smooth as the market suggested it would be with Ocean Voyage (8/11 into 8/13) taking the opening CITSU Fillies Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
The second pair in the market, Quinns Red Rose (8th) and Silvretta Schwartz (7th) didn't come up to expectations, and the Gordon Elliott-trained and Davy Russell-ridden Ocean Voyage comfortably accounted for Westernerona by five lengths.
Ocean Voyage is owned by the Arion Racing Club and last month they saw their colours also carried to success by Russell.
That was over at Ayr when the Jeremy mare Arion Sky easily landed a mares bumper. She was since beaten in against the geldings at the same venue.
They would appear to now have plenty to look forward to with Ocean Voyage (victorious on the Flat in her days with Richard Fahey).
The Stewards received a report from Mr. P.L. Malone, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that I.J. McCarthy, rider of Shadow Board had weighed in at 1.1 Ibs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that I.J. McCarthy was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record, cautioned him on this occasion.
(TW & EM)
