Bookies on the mat after Cork opener

The market spoke volumes in the opening CITSU Maiden Hurdle at Cork as Shes Flat Tothemat justified strong support.

The Mick Winters-trained filly had over three lengths to make up on odds-on favourite Leomar from their meeting at Wexford last Friday but that was a big step forward from a previous poor debut run and she progressed again here.

The daughter of Presenting was available at 4/1 when bookmakers initially priced up this two-mile event but was sent off a 7/4 chance.

Barry John Foley’s 7lb claim left his mount receiving a stone from Leomar, and she asserted approaching the final flight to score by three lengths.

The 4/6 favourite just held on for the runner-up spot, the third time in five hurdle outings that he’s played second fiddle, with the winner’s stablemate Doldido staying on nicely in third.

Winters said, "I told her owners that this mare would probably win a point to point and that they could sell and get nice money but they said they don't care and only want to win races.

"She had a great run at Wexford, on a tight track on her second run, and had no work since so I was sticking my head on the block a bit today - but you couldn't stop her owners (Going Stone Mad Syndicate) and one of them came from Washington for the race today.

"There are five in the syndicate, one each from Ardagh and Abbeyfeale in Limerick and the other three are in America."

The local trainer also quipped, "I thought we were first and second so I'm fierce disappointed!"

(TW & AM)