Moracana progressing nicely with experience

Bred and trained by Sheila Lavery and owned by Sue Chadwick, Moracana shed her maiden tag at the third attempt in race six at Leopardstown this afternoon.

This Leopardstown Members Club Maiden saw last August's Dundalk barrier trial scorer Moracana chase the leaders in the hands of Robbie Colgan.

The successful daughter of Elzaam was ridden in third two furlongs out, and after going second a furlong and a half out she hit the front a furlong out.

Staying on well under pressure in the final furlong Morcana got the better of the front-running favourite, Zaynudin by three parts of a length.

“She didn’t really cope with the undulations and turns at Punchestown but I’m delighted that she’s gone and done it today," said Mrs Lavery.

“She’s a homebred and after her first run in Navan an owner in the yard, Sue Chadwick, came in and bought her which is brilliant for me. I get to keep her but don’t have to pay the training bills!

“All the family just take time and Sue should have plenty of fun with her next year. Robbie said she’s still green and very laidback but he’d trouble pulling her up in the end.”

L.T. McAteer, rider of Thegooseiscooked trained by Anthony Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got a bump leaving the stalls.

(AM & EM)