Rolanna and Adam Short pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Rolanna recorded her third win from her last four starts, as she stayed on best to take the Baroneracing.com Sign Up Bonus Hurdle.
Trained in Co Wexford by Willie Martin, the daughter of Strategic Prince got off the mark over flights at Cork last month, following on from a win on the level at Clonmel.
She was last seen finishing second at Ffos Las a week ago today, and back over hurdles this afternoon she came in for plenty of market support, opening on-course at 7s, before going off a 5/1 chance (available at 10s in early shows).
Settled in mid-division by Adam Short, the bay victor was fourth with a circuit to race, and improved into a closer third from three out.
She was ridden shortly after that flight, and improved into second approaching the last, powering home to lead in the closing stages, going on to prevail by half a length in the colours of Kelly Cloney Partnership Optical Confusion (7/2), who looked all over a winner from the last, couldn't fend off Rolanna, and had to settle for second under David Mullins for Michael Butler.
Cheltenham Festival winner Veneer Of Charm (2/1f) was struggling a long way from home, and finished a disappointing last.
Michael Martin, son and assistant to trainer Willie, said afterwards: "We were nearly not going to run her because of the ground. We were afraid to go for a handicap with her because she's fairly deliberate with her jumping but she’s getting there.
"She's a right tough mare and the hurdles have improved her. Onwards and upwards and hopefully we'll have a nice winter with her."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed A.W. Short, rider of Rolanna, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended A.W. Short for 1 raceday.
J .W. Kennedy, rider of Veneer Of Charm trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
C.A. Landers, rider of High Nellie trained by Michael J. Bowe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped right throughout.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Veneer Of Charm, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
