Ballycorrigan (right) comes to head The Brock Inn on the run-in© Photo Healy Racing
After finishing second over the course and distance last month Ballycorrigan went one place better this afternoon as she took the opener at Limerick, the 2015 Twilight Racing Series Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Sent off a 5/1 chance the Harry Kelly trained six-year-old was fifth with a circuit to race and she was ridden entering the straight for the final time.
She improved into second two out and went in pursuit of the leader, getting to the front shortly after the last before keeping on well to score by two lengths. High Nellie (50/1) ran an eye-catching race, staying on well to finish second under Brian Hayes for Michael Bowe (later disqualified, see below). The Brock Inn was sent off the well-backed 7/4 favourite (6/1 last night and from 2/1 on-course) and she looked the most likely winner when hitting the front before two out.
However she couldn't hold off the challenge of the winner on the run-in and she had to settle for third under Mark Enright for John Nicholson.
The winner was ridden to victory by Sean Flanagan while she is owned and bred by Seamus McKeogh.
Harry Kelly said afterwards: "It is great to get it. She doesn’t show a lot at home.
"Sean thought his chance was got passed the stands when he dropped his stick but he still gave her a great ride and he was very patient with her.
"I was a bit worried about the drying ground today but we will see what there is for her and she prefers a galloping track."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, P.W. Murtagh, regarding the failure of B. Hayes, rider of High Nellie, placed second, to weigh-in after this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he was interrupted on his way to the scales which distracted him and he mistakenly walked past the scales.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards disqualified High Nellie from second place and having found B. Hayes in breach of Rule 230 by failing to weigh-in suspended him for five racedays and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
Amended result:1st Ballycorrigan 2nd The Brock Inn 3rd Marygale Bridge 4th Thanks For Tea
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Um From Umbridge trained by Eugene M. O'Sullivan was found to be lame post race.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
