Patience pays off for Molloy

Bocelli's Voice stayed on stoutly to open his account in the Knocklofty Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel for in-form trainer Dermot McLoughlin. Starman was sent off a well-backed 11/8 favourite in the two-and-a-quarter mile 'unplaced' contest and soon shot into a clear lead.

He started to come back on the home-bend though and was collared before the second last by Mister Twist

That rival was soon tackled by Bocelli's Voice and Michael Molloy gained a narrow advantage on the 5/2 shot going to the last. He galloped on well in the closing stages to record a two-and-a-quarter length win.

Molloy said afterwards:- “Kevin Sexton (on Starman) was putting on an okay gallop up front. My horse didn’t necessarily handle the ground but not many did. I could see Kevin tying up at the top of the hill, so I was using Niall Moore (aboard runner-up Mister Twist) as a guide.

“My lad has picked up and done it well. He had three good runs in maidens and that was a step down today and he was entitled to do it.

“He’s my second winner. They’re hard to get on, but it’s nice to get an opportunity like that. He’s a nice horse and I think he’ll do another job, hopefully."

He added “I’m from Rathfarnham and I'm with Dermot every day and have been there a while. I’m grateful to him and the owner (Con Smyth) for giving me an opportunity because it’s the only horse the owner has with us."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)