Mexican Moonshine (right) jumps the last alongside Miss Dishy (left) and Grooveykindoflove © Photo Healy Racing
An encouraging second on debut at Ballinrobe last month, Mexican Moonshine went a place better in the Thomas A. Murray Bar Roscommon Mares' Maiden Hurdle.
Trained by Gordon Elliott /a>, the Mount Nelson five-year-old was sent off an easy-to-back 13/2 chance (from 4s) in the colours of Pioneer Racing.
Settled in mid-division, the Sam Ewing ridden chestnut took closer order on the approach to the third last and challenged on the outer from the next.
Ridden and in a share of the lead before the last, she soon gained a narrow advantage and ultimately stayed on best in the closing stages, prevailing by half a length.
Returned the 11/8 favourite, Grooveykindoflove had to settle for second under Darragh O'Keeffe, while the Ciaran Murphy-trained Miss Dishy (33/1) was another two-lengths away in third.
"She had a very good first run and stepped forward today," Ewing said.
"She was actually still a little bit green so hopefully there will be more improvement in her.
"Henry's horse had good form and the way she kept at it, you'd have to like her."
STEWARDS REPORT
C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Field A Thistles trained by Ms Margaret Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was lame on pulling up. Subsequently, the Irish Horseracing Veterinary Officer examined Field A Thistles at the request of the Raceday Stewards and the animal was found to be lame on the right fore.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
