Splashing Out and Peter Smithers © Photo Healy Racing
Splashing Out scooted clear before the last to run out a cosy winner of the mares handicap hurdle at Limerick for trainer Eoin Griffin.
The JP McManus-owned Walk In The Park filly went to post an 18/5 shot in the two-miler and was produced to challenge turning for home by Peter Smithers.
She gained a narrow advantage over the penultimate flight and kicked clear before the last. Smithers only had to shake his mount up on the run-in as she went on to score by seven lengths.
The winner, who traded 11/2 this morning, was returning from a short break having been fourth at Tipperary in early July.
"I'm delighted to start the season with her like that. She had been a small bit frustrating last season and while she had a couple of nice runs, she never got there,” said Griffin.
"She had been a little immature mentally but the cheekpieces helped.
"She had a good run here last winter on heavy ground so had no worries about the ground although it was her first run of the season.
"We'll see what the handicapper does - last year he had her mark but if she gets a fair penalty, she might hopefully win again.
"That was Peter's first ride for me, Gary Cribbin his agent suggested him to me and he gave her a nice ride and filled her with confidence the whole way around."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
