Rocco Times it well in mares maiden hurdle

Time To Rocco stayed on strongly to open her account over timber in the mares maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Colin Motherway-trained mare had landed a point-to-point and bumper earlier in the year and was making her second start over hurdles. Kilbunny Pontic kicked a few lengths clear turning for home but was joined over the last by 10/1 shot Time To Rocco.

The Shirocco mare stayed on best on the run-in to record a two-and-a-half length win.

Winning jockey Michael O'Sullivan said afterwards:- “She had some decent form, she won her point-to-point and bumper, but she had probably been a bit frustrating since.

“She was fit and well, she ran in Gowran last week (7th in Listed bumper), and Colin did a nice job with her.

“We were coming here thinking it was a competitive race but that we had our chance. She did it well in the end.

“She jumped and travelled away and I held on to her for as long as I could. When she hit the front she didn't do much. It was a nice performance from her and she'll learn plenty from it.

“I know we all say it but I'd say anything she does over hurdles will be a bonus. She'll probably jump a fence in time as she's won a point-to-point.

“She'll jump a fence better and she's a nice mare to look forward to.”