Plain Talking battles to success in opener

Plain Talking held the renewed challenge of Siberian Vixen to gain the day in the opening National Student Raceday (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

The two market rivals fought it out from the turn in the 2m3f contest with 2/1 shot Plain Talking gaining the advantage over the last under Brien Kane.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained four-year-old looked to have things under control on the run-in but 15/8 favourite Siberian Vixen kept on gamely in the closing stages to push her to a neck at the line.

The pair pulled 27 lengths clear of the third-placed Spirit Of Afection

Plain Talking was making her fourth outing over timber. She had been placed on her jumping debut at Navan and had also reached the frame twice in seven outings on the Flat.

"She just idled in front but he (Brien) had to go on when he did,” said Cromwell.

"All along I thought she needed good ground but her best runs have now been on heavy at Navan and again today. She'll be kept on the go for the summer and could make a couple of trips to Perth for some mares' novices hurdles.

"She is owned by a great bunch of lads from the North (Lagan Valley Syndicate) and while they hadn't missed a day, aren't here today."

The stewards found that Ger Fox had used the whip with excessive frequency on the fourth placed Dream N and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)