Rose delivers for favourite backers in Limerick opener

The money came thick and fast for Gipsy Lee Rose and she delivered in the opening National Student Raceday Mares Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

Shane Shortall donned the silks of young horse producer Alan Harte on the grey daughter of Walk In The Park, and she was backed from 2/1 into 6/4 favourite.

Pulled up at this venue on St Patrick's Day at Grade Three level, here from the front Joseph O'Brien's charge didn't have much trouble in disposing of second market choice Dolly Dancer by two lengths.

"She had loads of experience and is an honest mare. The ground didn't suit her the last day and I actually think she is a far more efficient mare on better ground," said Shortall.

"She jumped well, showed a good attitude and did it well in the end. Hopefully she goes on to bigger and better things now."

The Stewards enquired into the course taking by O Supreme trained by Miss. Denise Marie O'Shea and ridden by C.J. Orr, who appeared to jump a chase fence instead of the first hurdle prior to pulling up. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that his mount momentarily went out of control on the approach to the first, ran onto the chase track and despite his best efforts jumped a fence before pulling up. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered all the evidence, the Stewards disqualified O Supreme from this race under the provisions of Rule 215 and accepted the explanation offered by the rider. Furthermore, the Stewards informed the trainer under the provisions of Rule 14(iii), that a repeat performance in the behaviour of O Supreme may render the animal liable for suspension.

D.N. Russell, rider of Cornakill Rose trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung and jumped left.

C.J. Orr, rider of O Supreme trained by Miss Denise Marie O'Shea, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran out as he could not steer her.

P. Townend, rider of Princess Of China trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount finished lame.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Princess Of China, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cornakill Rose, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)