French import Marigold got off to the best possible start for new connections when landing the featured EBF Fillies Handicap in the hands of champion jockey Pat Smullen.
The four-year-old filly was patiently ridden to lead inside the final furlong, and quickened up nicely to beat favourite Tupgill Tipple by two-and-a-half-lengths. 'She was bought at the end of last year as a replacement for Tryphaena. She's a nice filly, and hopefully will go on and improve from this,' said trainer Willie Mullins.
Mullins and Smullen followed up in the Datapac Handicap with the well-backed Czar Of Peace, leading half a mile out to beat Biddy Blackhurst by two-and-a-half-lengths. 'The Galway Hurdle is the main summer aim, and he will go for another few Flat handicaps in the meantime,' said Mullins.
Charles Byrnes was full of praise for rider Philip O'Brien after Cloudy Bays landed division one of the Bree Maiden Hurdle. The gelding was sent on between the final two flights to beat Sweetie by two-and-a-half-lengths, and Byrnes commented: 'Philip did a good job holding him up as he's a tricky horse. We will probably keep him on the go over the summer.'
'A nice, big filly and certainly one for the future,' was how trainer Sean Treacy described Sherwani after the daughter of Shernazar took division two of the maiden hurdle. The 4/5 favourite Taranges looked sure to score when travelling smoothly off the home bend, but he found disappointingly little under pressure as Sherwani led after the last for a three lengths success.
The Hilary Murphy Travel Novice Hurdle provided an exciting finish with Back In Debt, Heart Midoltian and Monty's Pass virtually in the air together at the final flight. Back In Debt stayed on best on the run-in under Tom Treacy, and trainer Tom Foley said, 'She is only small, and will need to carry light weights in handicaps.'
Alan Magee
