Donal Murphy
Ring O Roses gains compensation
Ring O Roses and Rachael Blackmore pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing
Just touched off at Downpatrick earlier this month, Ring O Roses gained compensation in the second divide of the Sheridan Electric Maiden Hurdle.
The Henry de Bromhead trained five-year-old was expected to make the breakthrough this evening and was sent off the 5/6 favourite under Rachael Blackmore.
Settled in second, she was pushed along on the approach to the last and was ridden to the front from the furlong pole, going on to score by three lengths for owner/breeder Liz Prowting.
After attempting to make all, The Last Mardi (6/4) had to settle for second under Ben Harvey for Gordon Elliott, while Estepona Sun (7/2) was a further eight lengths away in third.
"She was just touched off the last day when a mistake at the last cost her, and it's great to get a win with her," Blackmore said.
"She's still quite green but has a lovely attitude and is still learning.
"She does spend a bit of time in the air over her hurdles and she's still a little backward in herself, but she's exciting and there's more to come."
STEWARDS REPORT
B.P. Kennedy, rider of Shore (USA), trained by John G. Carr, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake, never travelled afterwards and received a small cut.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan