De Bromhead & Blackmore win opening two races at Cork

Trainer Henry De Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore combined to win the opening two races at Cork today, completing the feat in the Paddy Power Onside App Mares Maiden Hurdle with last season's capable bumper performer Minella Melody

Previously placed twice at Graded level in bumpers at the Aintree and Punchestown festivals, Minella Melody today made all when justifying 4/6 favouritism and beating Earthiest Words by two and three parts of a length.

De Bromhead and Blackmore had earlier won the opening race with Tiger Voice and following his second winner, De Bromhead stated “she (Minella Melody) did it the hard way, jumped brilliant and Rachael was delighted with her and she will come on plenty for the run.

“I thought it was a good race going in to it and all week I was wondering did I have her fit enough.

“She'll come on plenty for it if she did happen to win here today, I was hoping to aim for the 2m4f Listed Voler La Vedette Novice Hurdle at Punchestown in December. There are a lot of good mares around at the moment but hopefully we'll be there with them.”