Shimmer And Shine and Andrew Ring© Photo Healy Racing
Shimmer And Shine (6s out to 7s) did it well from the front in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.
Well-backed favourite Owenacurra Lass (11/8) never really looked likely from her rear of mid-division position.
To the credit of Declan Queally’s charge she did stay on into second close home, but she was never going to reach the Peter Croke-trained and Andrew Ring-ridden Shimmer And Shine.
Seven and a half lengths was the margin in favour of the Maurice Sheehy owned and bred Gold Well victor.
"It was the plan to try and make all," revealed Croke.
"She went out in front the last day at Fairyhouse and seemed to enjoy it.
"We had her in the handicap today as well but this looked a better opportunity.
"We stepped her back in trip and luckily we did with the ground the way it is.
"Andrew said she jumped grand and handled the ground. We will see how she comes out of the race before making a plan."
(DM & EM)
