Mares maiden proves no Trouble for Times Troubled Times, a useful sort in bumpers last year winning twice including a Listed event at Gowran, opened her account over hurdles when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Naas. The 6/4 favourite, owned and bred by Willie Cleary, made all under Phillip Enright and kept on gamely on the extended run-in after the final hurdle was omitted due to an earlier faller. The daughter of Shirocco had two and a half lengths to spare at the line over Chautuaqua, with Something Abouther just a nose further back in third. Sam Curling, “I was a bit worried about the ground but it’s turned out lovely. She was entitled to do that on her bumper form. She jumped great and Phillip was happy out. “She jumped so well that the last hurdle being taken out didn’t help her and she wouldn’t do a whole pile when she gets there. “Anything she does now is a bonus. She will stay going now for the summer and we’ll see what mark she gets.”
