Speed proves too strong in opener at Limerick

Quest With Speed powered clear down the straight to collect in the opening 'unplaced' maiden hurdle at Limerick this afternoon.

The 'Shark' Hanlon-trained gelding was dropping grade this afternoon having run in a couple of strong maiden hurdles at Punchestown early in the year.

He went to post a 10/1 shot on his return to action and was driven into the lead early in the straight by Shane Fenelon.

The Quest For Peace gelding asserted going to the second last and galloped on strongly past the bypassed final flight to post a seven-and-a-half length winning margin over Glen Kiln

"He is a lovely big horse but was weak and took ages to come. He was probably too weak last year and he will make a lovely chaser as he is 16.3hh,” said Hanlon.

"He loved that heavy ground and it was great to get today out of the way.

"He is entered again for Sunday in a handicap hurdle over three miles and I think the farther the trip the better he'll be.

"The owner William Carroll, from New Ross, bred him and he is currently on a boat to England as his business is there."

52 favourite Twoconduit one of three well-backed Maike Magnussen-trained runners on the card, came under pressure before the straight and could only finish a well-beaten seventh.

The last was bypassed after the fall of Sky Tempest on the previous circuit. Both horse and jockey, Richie Condon, got to their feet.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)