Shimmer's Rock wins on first start for Collins

Shimmer's Rock who is a half-sister to The New One, made the perfect start for new connections, as she took the Kilsheelan Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Successful in a bumper at Gowran last year, the daughter of Westerner failed to follow-up on her next five starts.

Making her debut for Pat Collins this afternoon, she was sent off a 4/1 chance (from 9s last night and from 5s on-course) with Adam Short in the saddle.

Settled behind the leaders in third, the bay victor improved into a closer second on the approach to the straight, and led before two out.

She was ridden before the final flight, and kept on well under pressure on the run-in, seeing off the challenge of Awayinthewest by a length and a quarter.

The runner-up was returned the 9/10 favourite, with David Mullins in the saddle for Pat Fahy (former trainer of the winner).

The front two went thirty lengths clear of Gliondar Mo Chroi in third. That one was returned at 66/1 under Mark Enright for Aidan Fogarty.

Collins, who trains in Co Down, said afterwards: "We bought her around Christmas time and in fairness all the work was done with her and we only had to keep her right. I think she would prefer a step up in trip.

The winning rider added: "I thought the two lads in front may have took each other on a bit. It was my mare's first run for a while and I just took my time and they were the two to beat.

"I got a grand lead into the race but probably got going a bit too soon. Ideally she'd get further and I didn't want to get caught for toe.

"She'd won a bumper and was second behind Crackerdancer. Her form was rock solid and she loved the ground."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Moonlight Escape trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have a superficial wound on the left fore cannon otherwise the mare was post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee