Pearl justifies odds-on favouritism at Limerick Crystal Pearl got the day off to the perfect start for favourite backers as she took the opener at Limerick, the National Student Raceday Mares Maiden Hurdle. Having finished second on three of her four previous attempts over flights the Charles Byrnes (first winner since December) trained four-year-old was sent off the 4/5 favourite with Ruby Walsh in the saddle. The successful daughter of Beat Hollow tracked the leaders in the early stages but dropped back through the field after being hampered at the fourth. She improved into fourth after three out and came through to lead on the approach to the next. She was ridden before the last and stretched clear on the run-in to score by three and a half lengths. The Harry Kelly trained Ballycorrigan ran a fine race to finish second at 25/1 under Sean Flanagan while Tri Na Ceile (9/4) was a further three lengths back in third under Robbie Power for Jessica Harrington. The winner is owned by Philip McGee and trainer Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "That's Ruby's first winner for me and it was just his second ride. Davy Russell took him out on his other ride for me at Roscommon! "It's a winner at last and I've had a bad run at it but it's great to get it. "She was 15 lengths clear of the third horse at Cork the last day and maybe she (Crystal Pearl) was beaten by a good horse but she is what she is and will mix it for the summer." STEWARDS REPORT * John Gerard Fitzgerald, trainer of Ssmarchioness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge burst blood vessells in running(confirmed by Turf Club Veterinary surgeon). * The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Sharon (GB) trained by Michael J. McDonagh was lame post race. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
