Carrig rocks Newbury rivals Robert Tyner struck an early blow for Ireland when Carrigmoorna Rock ran out a ready winner of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Newbury. Second in a Grade Three contest at Down Royal on her previous start, the six-year-old landed this Listed prize in the hands of Tony McCoy. The champion had Carrigmoorna Rock (11-8 favourite) not far off the pace set by A Doll In Milan and Ardnahoe before coming through to challenge before the second-last flight, holding off Avispa to score by six lengths. "She did it nicely. She had a great run the last day behind Morning Run and she looks very special," said Cork-based Tyner. "We might have a look at a slightly longer trip with an uphill finish. We'll see. There's a race in Leopardstown at Christmas and there's a race at Sandown in January."
