Hail off mark in dramatic contest Hail opened his account in the ten furlong maiden at Clonmel but the race was marred by the fall of Caliente. The Fran Berry-ridden front-runner appeared to be badly injured and came to grief as she crossed the road at the two furlong marker. Nia's Caul, who was under pressure in seventh, was badly hampered and unshipped Ronan Whelan. 7/4 favourite Three Kingdoms was left in the lead but he was soon headed by Hail, who powered clear inside the final furlong for a three-and-three-quarter length success. Precious Stone kept on in the closing stages to grab the runner-up spot. The 11/4 winner was gaining an overdue success and had been beaten favourite in handicap company in Wexford last time. "He's entitled to win that and he has been running well," said rider Joseph O'Brien. "He handled the ground and it's yielding out there." Ronan Whelan walked away after his spill but Fran Berry was still be attended to after the race. Berry was reported as being conscious and having a suspected shoulder injury. Dr John Downey revealed that he had gone to Clonmel hospital for x-rays. (On course reporting by Alan Magee)
