Missy completes hat-trick in Limerick opener

The Gordon Elliott trained Missy Tata completed a hat-trick of wins in the opener at Limerick, the Maurice Power Solicitors Hurdle.

Successful on her last two starts at Punchestown and Killarney, the daughter of Astarabad was widely expected to make it three in-a-row today.

She was sent off the 1/6 favouritie with her task made all the easier with the early defections of both Mossback (change in going) and Dooleys Rock (lame).

Jack Kennedy had hoped to return to the saddle this weekend, but he wasn't passed fit to ride, and so Ruby Walsh took over in the saddle.

Sent straight to the front by Walsh, Missy Tata made all, and she was pushed out on the run-in to see off the game effort of Jaime Sommers by a length and three parts.

Elliott said afterwards: "She just hacked around and will come on a good bit for the run. She will go chasing now.

"I was planning on running her yesterday (at Fairyhouse) but the ground was a bit quick. She jumps well, and we'll find a mares beginners chase for her when there is a little ease in the ground."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee