Jade edges thriller in opener

Only four went to post for the opening auction maiden at Fairyhouse but it threw up a thrilling finish with Rich Jade just getting the nod. Trenchtown Rock took them along in the seven-furlong contest but was claimed with over two furlongs to run by the Dermot Weld-trained Rich Jade, ridden by Pat Smullen.

The Moyglare filly was soon tackled by 9/10 favourite Sevenleft and the pair were locked together inside the final furlong.

There was nothing between them as they flashed past the post and the judge was left to split them with a nose the verdict.

The 2/1 winner had been fifth on both her previous starts, most recently when behind Miss Katie Mae on Irish 2,000 Guineas day at the Curragh.

She sported a visor for the first time today and Smullen said: -

"The visor helped and in fairness she put her head down and tried to the line. The second had a good run in Leopardstown and pushed us all the way.

"The ground is quick but it's safe and they've done a good job."

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)