Roisins Ciara and Declan Queally (right) touch off Secret Sea (second left) © Photo Healy Racing
Roisins Ciara (11/4, having opened as the 7/4 favourite) just came out on top in a driving finish to the Three Rocks (Mares) Maiden Hurdle.
The Ocavango mare, fourth at Tipperary last week, looked in trouble turning in with two to jump as a couple of rivals went by her, and she was third jumping the last, but she battled on gamely on the far rail to touch off Secret Sea (10/1) by a head. Flibinight (17/2, having been well-backed this morning) was close up in third having had every chance.
Declan Queally, who rode out his 3lb claim on The Getaway Star at Limerick last week, was on board for his father and namesake, and said: "That was brilliant. It's brilliant for her owner Dr Brid Corkery who is from Glanmire, just outside Cork City.
"She has been breeding horses and this is her first winner. She can't watch them when they are running but I'd say she will be delighted now with all her grandchildren.
"She will probably stay further than that. We might leave her out now in the field for a few weeks to strengthen up.
"We might send her home then and bring her back for an autumn campaign."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
