Sapphire Lady scores under Danny Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
There was plenty going on in the Kingdom (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Listowel but favourite backers got off to a good start with Sapphire Lady (2/1) prevailing.
Ger Fox was without irons from before the fourth on Biddy The Boss and he did well to have the Doyen mare still in there pitching until the business end. Timetoget had to switch to get a run at Sapphire Lady before the last but the winner threw a good leap there and went on for a two and a half length triumph.
"It was a good performance and Willie has found a good opportunity for her," said successful jockey Danny Mullins after winning on his uncle Willie's charge.
"She was unlucky the last day as if she had helped David (Mullins) out a bit at the last she would have won but I'm the lucky one who got to reap the rewards today.
"She'll make a nice summer novice and is versatile trip-wise. She'll jump a fence in time but we'll win hurdles first."
The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Tsarina Sophia trained by Diarmuid P. Ryan, for failing to lodge the passport in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (i).
The Stewards fined Peter Fahey, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Aimee Kate in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.
The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Aimee Kate in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(iv). .
G.N. Fox, rider of Biddy The Boss trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his iron broke going past the stands.
A.E. Lynch, rider of Ayr Of Elegance (GB) trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his saddle slipped.
Kevin O'Sullivan, trainer of Lyre Fun reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge burst a blood vessel.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Lyre Fun trained by Kevin O'Sullivan was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
(TW & EM)
