West Blazes to victory in Mares maiden

Blazing West opened her account at the 15th attempt when justifying odds of 9/10 in the Templemore Mares Maiden Hurdle at Thurles.

The daughter of Westerner, who runs in the colours of owner, trainer and breeder Willie Austin, headed the front-running Hello Sweetie at the final flight.

She was just pushed out on the run-in by Eamonn Corbett to score by two and a half lengths, with a further gap of 13 lengths back to Cherry West in third.

Austin said, "Only for the five grand bonus (for winning mares' races) she'd have gone down the geldings route and it was nearly time she won her maiden.

"She had a hard race this day last week and was a bit flat today.

"She'll run in a handicap hurdle next before going chasing and I'd like to thank Catherine Cooper for changing her diet last year and for doing a great job."

Corbett said, "She's been so consistent and it's great to get her to win. Two miles is probably a bit sharp for her. She pricked her ears and had loads left after the last."

(TW & AM)