Moon looking good on 3rd start for Meade Cosmo's Moon made it third time lucky for the Noel Meade yard when bouncing back from an odds-on eclipse last time to win the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Limerick. The 4/1 chance, upped in trip after finishing only fifth when expected to deliver at Down Royal in the middle of last month, was soon to the fore under Sean Flanagan. Top bumper performer but now a beaten favourite for the fifth time over flights, Debuchet (evens) had every chance to go by but couldn't, eventually losing out by two and a half lengths. Said Meade in the aftermath: "I'd say the ground (was his excuse) at Down Royal and maybe it came too soon from his previous race as well. "I said we'd make the running and stretch yer man (favourite Debuchet) and see can we get him off it. He (Sean Flanagan) said that wasn't the way to ride him but I said that was the way to ride him today as seeing what Gordon's (Elliott) horse did to Debuchet at Navan I was convinced this was the way to beat him. "I'd say he is a summer horse, he stays well enough and I'll see what mark he gets." P. Townend, rider of Poker D'ainay (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and felt wrong behind. M.P. Burke, rider of Ballinlongig trained by John M.Burke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount may have burst. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ballinlongig, trained by John M.Burke, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal was found to have bled on endoscopic examination post race. There was no blood visible at the nostrils. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Poker D'ainay (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. At the request of the Stewards, L.P. Dempsey, rider of Lessofdnegativity, trained by A.J. McNamara, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was outpaced at the top of the hill, stayed on one pace and made mistakes at the last two hurdles . (TW & EM)
