Red letter day for Moloney as Brandy wins with ease

Diarmuid Moloney had a day to remember at Limerick this afternoon when Brandy Harbour bolted up in the 80-95 handicap hurdle on the card to give the Clareman his first winner under rules.

The 7lb claimer had one point-to-point success under his belt and gave the Grainne O'Connor-trained gelding a cool ride in the two-miler.

He hit the front going to the fourth last and kicked on a few lengths before the turn.

The Schiaparelli gelding went clear after the second last and Moloney could afford to ease down late on for a 14-length success on the 3/1 favourite.

Brandy Harbour was dropping right back in trip having been runner-up over three miles at Galway last time.

The trainer's husband Paurick said afterwards:- "Diarmuid is a great fella. He comes into Derek (O'Connor, brother) in the mornings and them comes on to me then. He is a great lad and you could set your clock by him.

"He schools a lot of three year olds and four year olds and when you're schooling with Derek every day, if you don't learn something you won't live!

"The horse was well in from his mark, we claimed 7lb and he will go for a chase now.

"This is great to get as I only have two horses to run on the track but am very busy with point to pointers. Derek is starting off now as well and while we have separate yards, we work together."

Moloney added:- "I'm 24 and from Ardnacrusha and I am with Paurick, Derek (O'Connor, brother) and Brian McMahon. I had one winner in point to points and that's my first racecourse winner - it's a great feeling.

"I was with Paul Nicholls for a year in England but broke my hand and came home as there were more opportunities. "

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)