Hill handles testing conditions to get off mark

Compass Hill powered clear in the closing stages to run out a convincing winner of the opening Blackwater Maiden at Cork this afternoon.

There were three 11/4 co-favourites for the six-furlong contest and Compass Hill tracked fellow market leader Falcao in the early stages.

Both were pushed along passing the two pole but John Murphy's charge found more inside the final furlong to get on top.

He stretched clear in the closing stages to post a three-and-three-quarter length success under Shane Foley. The other co-favourite Future Icon made no impression in fifth.

The winner had been placed on two of his previous five runs but had only finished sixth on his last two outings.

"I was worried about the ground but he handled it well. He had the form to do that." said Foley afterwards.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)