Dj calls the tune in Thurles opener The market spoke loudly in favour of Shop Dj in the opening Holycross Mares Chase at Thurles and the favourite got the job done with the minimum of fuss. Davy Russell settled the daughter of Dushyantor in mid-division before making ground up turning for home in the 2m2f contest. Peter Fahey's charge emerged as a threat two out and travelled well to take over from front-runner Royal Choice on the run to the last. The result was never in doubt from there as she cruised home for a eight-length victory. Golden Sunbird crashed out at the final fence when booked for second. Our Victoria eventually stayed on to take the runner-up spot ahead of Royal Choice. The winner was the subject of a late plunge on course as her price collapsed from 5/2 into 13/8. She came into today's race off the back of a promising debut over fences at Roscommon last month in a decent Grade 3 novice contest. "It's great to get a win over fences," said Fahey afterwards. "She'll go on for all those black type mares race. She doesn't want very testing ground and we won't abuse her on winter ground."
