Roconga an easy winner of the opener at Cork

Roconga got off the mark over flights as he ran out an easy winner of the opener at Cork, the Family Day Out Maiden Hurdle.

The Edward O'Grady trained five-year-old was sent off the 4/6 favourite for this two mile contest after finishing second at Kilbeggan on his last start.

Settled behind the leaders the son of Rakti was sixth with a circuit to race.

He travelled strongly in third entering the straight and improved to lead after three out, stretching clear before the last going on to score by nine lengths under Andrew Lynch. Pashtunwali (6/1 to 9/2 on-course) finished second under David Mullins for Eoin Griffin while Icantsay (12/1 to 10/1 on-course) was a neck back in third under Niall Kelly.

Edward O'Grady said afterwards: "In fairness to him he was recovering from a bout of ringworm when he disappointed here the last time and probably wasn't fully recovered.

"He'll go handicapping now and will go to Ballinrobe on September 22nd for a handicap next."

Brian Hayes was a late replacement for Davy Russell on Meadowlands Russell was injured when unseated from the mare in the parade ring.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards received a report from Ms. Nicola O'Connor, Turf Club Veterinary Officer, that she was unable to positively identify Previctorious, trained by John E. Kiely, from the markings contained in the passport presented for this horse. Evidence was heard from the trainer and the Turf Club Veterinary Officer. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Previctorious and referred the matter to the Turf Club CEO for further investigation.

K.M. Donoghue, rider of End Of Line (GB) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in-running.

C.D. Maxwell, rider of Lord Kenmare (USA) trained by Ms. Debbie Hartnett, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise before they turned in.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes