Sapphire a success for Facebook owners

Wilde Sapphire ran out an impressive winner of the Gorey Handicap Hurdle at Wexford to give Henry de Bromhead and Andrew Lynch a double on the card.

The Oscar mare was settled behind the leaders in the two-mile contest before taking closer order three from home.

Lynch asked his mount to hit the front turning for home and she stretched clear before the last.

The winner could afford to ease home on the run-in for a comprehensive six-and-a-half length verdict over Wooly Tom

It was a first handicap start for the 5/1 winner, who had been at the subject of controversy a few starts back at Tramore when the tapes were raised with her facing the wrong way.

“I'm delighted with that. It was the first day she got a real good gallop,” said de Bromhead.

“I'm delighted for the syndicate especially after what happened at Tramore.

“They are a Facebook-based syndicate. We've went close with two social media based syndicates before but this is the first winner.

“They are from all over and Michael O'Callaghan is the man behind it all.

“She's in again on Saturday at Gowran. I don't normally do that but she might go.”

Mojito Royale was sent off the well backed 9/2 favourite, from 13/2, but could only finish eighth.

De Bromhead and Lynch has also struck in the second race with Grey Monk

Martin Mooney, rider of the runner-up Wooly Tom, received a two-day ban for using the whip above shoulder height.

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)