Champion Hurdle hero Walsh wins Limerick opener

There was an exciting conclusion to the opening Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie Mares Maiden Hurdle with Denham Hana (13/2) coming out on top for Paul Nolan and Mark Walsh.

By the sire of Un De Sceaux, Denham Red, Denham Hana, in a first-time tongue-strap, upstaged market-leaders Little Light (11/4) and Rhythm Divine (9/4 favourite), by a length and the same.

"Her jumping was very good and she stays all day," observed Walsh.

"I rode her up with the pace and the deeper the ground the better for her."

The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Flying Vacation, trained by M.O.Quigley, for failing to lodge the passport as required under the provisions of Rule 90(i).

R.A. Doyle, rider of Glencullen Hero trained by Michael E Hallinan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount found the ground too heavy, choked in running and was pulled up thereafter.

(TW & EM)