Best Mate's relative Emily blitzes Naas opponents

There was no living with Emily Moon (6s into 4s) from the front in the first split of the Cavan Developments Maiden Hurdle at Naas.

Favourite Debuchet (7/4) didn't jump as well as the winner and the prize was Emily Moon's from two out once she cleared the last okay.

She accomplished this in style under Robbie Power before powering on up the run-in for a fourteen length victory over Debuchet.

“I was very impressed with her,” said Power.

“She's improved a good bit and probably dropping back half a mile in trip suited her better as she loves jumping out and rolling. Over two mile you can let her go, you're not worried about the trip.

“Coming back to two suited her. She jumped super bar one mistake four out, she's good and brave and attacks her hurdles.

“I couldn't hear in the wind if there was anything coming so I kept the revs up and when I looked around half up the run-in I couldn't believe how far clear I was. It was a good performance.”

Kate Harrington, daughter of winning trainer Jessica, added:- “We're delighted to get her off the mark over jumps. She won her bumper very impressively in Cork but has taken a while to get her jumping together.

“The plan today was to bowl along like she did when she won her bumper.

“We'll probably go in search of some black-type now. We'll see if we can get another run into her before Cheltenham, she might be one for the mares novice.”

B.J. Geraghty, rider of Cool Getaway trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up after the final hurdle having lost his action.

R.A. Doyle, rider of Rosmarine (GB) trained by Miss Evanna McCutcheon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was badly hampered by the fallers at the third hurdle.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of An Marcach ridden by A.W. Short, and trained by D. Donovan. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. A.W. Short, rider, stated that he was instructed to jump off in mid division and to do the best that he could. He stated that his mount was crowded at the first hurdle and was further back than intended. From thereon his jumping was better than the last day but still made three mistakes during the race. He added that the fallers at the third hurdle had frightened his mount and he soon came off the bridle in a race which was run at a genuine gallop. At a later stage his mount missed the second last hurdle and tired from that point. He felt, in his opinion, that without resorting to the whip, that he had ridden hands and heels to the best of his ability. He described his mount as being a horse that lacks pace and needed to race over a longer trip. D. Donovan, trainer, confirmed the instructions and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. He described his charge as being a big baby whose jumping had improved today, was presented as fit as possible but needed softer ground and a longer trip as he lacks pace. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that An Marcach was post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations of both the rider and trainer.

(GC & EM)