In-foal Oilily justifies odds-on favouritisim

Odds-on favourite Oilily took the opener at Cork, the Dermot Casey Tree Care Hurdle, in convincing fashion under Ruby Walsh (first time to partner the mare) for trainer Sean Byrne. The ten-year-old daughter of Dr Massini was 13/8 last night with Paddy Power and 11/8 this morning, before opening at 4/5 on-course, the price she went off at. The now six time winner was last seen finishing a close up fifth of five in the new Grade 1 Mares Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival. Settled towards the rear she made progress before the straight on the outside, hitting the front before two out and going on from there to score comfortably by three lengths. Gimli’s Rock kept on well in the closing stages to take second at 16/1 under Mark Bolger for Jessica Harrington. Sean Byrne said afterwards: "Ruby said to run her in a flat race next. She might run in something like the amateur handicap (formerly the GPT) in Galway, although she seems to prefer a flat, speedy track. "She is in-foal to Presenting, she seems sweeter now and she loves this ground. "She was covered six weeks ago and we will keep her on the go but we will mind her." Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes