No stopping Start in Killarney opener The Mick Halford trained Start Line (4/1) made virtually all to land the opener at Killarney this evening, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. Soon in front under Shane Foley, the Rock Of Gibraltar colt was joined by Culcor at the three furlong pole, but he went on again once ridden from the two, keeping on strongly to record a four-and-a-half length success. Culcor (2/1) filled the runner-up spot under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Melnik, who was returned the 11/10 favourite, was a disappointing third. Odds-on in early shows, Marhaba Ashmayme was a late withdrawal due to the change in going. Owned by Nasir Ashkar and bred in Co Kilkenny by Michael Shefflin, the winner finished seventh on his only previous start at Limerick last month. "He had a nice run the first day and did things right. Ronan (Whelan, jockey) and the boss (Halford) were happy enough with him and stepping up in trip was always going to be a help," the winning rider said. "It wasn't the plan to make the running but he popped out and was left there and was enjoying it. He is a forward going horse and enjoyed that ease in the ground as well. "He was having a good look at everything and Michael's horses tend to improve from their first run and even from their second run onwards. He could be a nice fun horse and has plenty size and scope." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
