Socially Distant makes winning start over hurdles Socially Distant got her jumping career off to the best possible start when taking the Wexford Mares Maiden Hurdle at the rewarding odds of 14/1. The Paul Nolan-trained daughter of Mahler showed promise in three bumper starts notably when runner-up to Royal Kahala at Fairyhouse and put in a decent round of jumping under Bryan Cooper. Dreamingandhoping set the pace in this two-mile event before being joined by the winner on the home turn. There was nothing to choose between the pair approaching the final flight where the 10/11 favourite hesitated and then stumbled badly on landing. This left Socially Distant clear to ultimately score by 16 lengths, with Toor Hawk keeping on at one pace a further three lengths back in third. Nolan said, “She is a very nice mare and has a wonderful pedigree. It's probably not ideal that she has lost her novice status but I'm just glad she won. "Her first run was very good, then she was too free the second day and then we ran her too soon. Today she settled lovely and Bryan gave her a lovely ride and I think she is a very nice filly. I've no plans for her but she handles that ground very well. "She is closely related to Moskova, a mare I bought and trained myself. Phil Byrne owns her. He is a great, loyal, sound man and a great owner to have in the yard." (DM & AM)
