Hailstone claims Limerick heat in style

Hailstone powered clear going to the furlong marker to run out clear cut winner as Dylan Hogan notched a quick opening race double at Limerick.

The Patrick Prendergast-trained won the early battle for the lead in the seven-furlong handicap and was asked to lengthen passing the two pole.

The 100/30 favourite was in command entering the last furlong and kept on strongly to record a five-and-a-half length victory under top-weight.

Hailstone won a claiming maiden at Dundalk last month and has run well twice subsequently in handicap company.

"Dylan gave him a beauty and was very positive on him,” said Prendergast.

"The race was what it was; he was second in the Madrid (Handicap) and that's not a better performance than the Madrid but it's a different day and a different crowd.

"There's a penalty to be taken now but you could argue it's not a better run than the Madrid run - I don't think it is but he won well and seemed to like the faster ground."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)