Sweet performance from Mango on hurdles debut

Mollys Mango made the perfect start to life over flights, as she comfortably accounted for her 14 rivals in the Templemore Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Successful in a bumper at Cork around this time last year, the Gordon Elliott-trained bay since finished third in Listed company, finishing down the field when last seen at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Sent off the 1/2 favourite this afternoon, the Clovis Du Berlais five-year-old raced in second early on, improving to lead before the third.

While closed upon approaching the straight, she increased her advantage on the run to the last, going on to score comfortably by five-and-a-half lengths in the colours of Caldwell Construction Ltd.

Returned at 9/2, Missus Beeton filled the runner-up spot after racing mainly in that position throughout, while there was a further 26-length gap back to Straight Home in third, with this one returned at 9/1 from 80s early.

"We've always liked her, she jumped great and I'm glad she went and did that," Kennedy commented.

"She was very straightforward and will probably be better over a trip in time. It's great to get that done."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Miss J. Townend, rider of Straight Home, trained by Timothy Townend, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount hung right throughout.

T. Ryan, rider of Annie Beag trained by W.J.Austin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped green.

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, Miss J. Townend, rider of Straight Home, trained by Timothy Townend, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount went to pull up down the back straight but is fit and well and ran on past tired horses.

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, L.A. McKenna, rider of Sineads Fancy trained by Stephen Ryan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran very free early on and jumped terribly. .

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes