Gaffer gets the job done in Limerick opener My Gaffer justified 8/11 favouritism (7/4 early) in the opener at Limerick, the Red Mills EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle. The winner of a bumper at Listowel last September, the John Ryan trained five-year-old was a good fifth to Sandor Clegane on his most recent start at the Punchestown Festival. Expected to make the breakthrough over flights this evening, the Malinas gelding raced mainly in second under Liam Quinlan. Pushed along before two out, he soon improved to dispute the lead and got to the front on the approach to the final flight. Owned by Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd, the bay victor was ridden out on the run-in, coming home three-parts-of-a-length to the good. Returned at 4/1, Littlefoot ran well to take second under Liam McKenna, while Angelsworknovrtime (33/1) was three-and-three-parts of a length back in third. "He is a nice horse and was showing that all the time," Ryan commented. "Liam said he won a lot easier than the winning distance. He is tough as nails and is better than the bare result. "He is out of the real good race mare Deep Sunset and Malinas is having a good time too. "He'll stick to novice hurdles and rated novice races now and we'll look forward to him." STEWARDS REPORTS * Rachael Blackmore, rider of Champagne Mahler, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount got hampered by the faller on the flat. * The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident shortly after the start involving Ivy Hall, ridden by P.K. Donovan, where it appeared Ivy Hall clipped a heel and came down. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
