Rosshaven Lady (Jody McGarvey) leads Khalessi over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Rosshaven Lady gained a deserved win over hurdles when taking the opening Cahir Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained mare won twice last year in bumpers at Limerick and Galway, and has proved a consistent sort since switched to hurdles this term. Khalessi set the pace in this 2m3f event but was collared by the 2/1 winner approaching the last.
Jody McGarvey 's mount kept on well on the run-in to score by four and three quarter lengths lengths, with Coolagh Moll staying on a further 12 lengths away in third. Theatre Wine proved a bitter disappointment, dropping away tamely after three out and eased in the straight to finish a soundly beaten ninth. The 9/10 favourite was later found to be coughing.
O'Brien said, "She had been running well but it took her a couple of runs to get her jumping properly. She hadn't been jumping well initially but was better today apart from a little mistake.
"She doesn't want the ground bottomless and is entitled to a little break now. She has an engine, is a big mare who I'd imagine will jump a fence in time. She could have more respect for fences in time."
(TW & AM)
