Roja Dove jumps the last under Eddie O'Connell© Photo Healy Racing
Roja Dove recorded back to back victories over hurdles as she made all to take the first at Limerick this afternoon, the Dunraven Arms Hotel Hurdle.
The Ken Condon trained daughter of Jeremy shed her maiden tag on the second time of asking at Donwpatrick last month, and the four-year-old was sent off a 7/1 (as low as 7/2 this morning) chance to follow up today.
Ridden by Eddie O’Connell, the bay victor was soon clear, and she travelled best entering the straight after jumping well throughout.
She came under pressure after the second last, but she kept on well to see off the challenge of Hurricane Ridge (11/4), for Jessica Harrington and Mark Bolger, by three lengths.
Massini’s Trap was sent off the 9/10 favourite for James Nash and Ruby Walsh, but his jumping let him down, and he finished seven lengths back in third.
Eddie O'Connell said afterwards: "Nothing wanted to go on so I decided to bounce out quick. She is fit from the flat and she jumps well.
"James Nash’s horse looked the one to beat, but I think she just galloped him into the ground.
"She is ordinary on the flat but she has taken to jumps well, and the Jeremy’s seem to be in form.
"The ground is on the quick side of good but it has been well-watered and is safe."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
