Chateauneuf Du Pap and Rachael Blackmore © Photo Healy Racing
Chateauneuf Du Pap (3/1 second favourite) won on his first start for Ellmarie Holden when taking the David Flynn Building Contractors Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.
Rachael Blackmore soon had Chateauneuf Du Pap tracking the leaders around the inner and the ground saving ride was certainly helpful when things got serious late on. Lareena was extremely weak in the betting for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend but she ran well to give Chateauneuf Du Pap most to do. A length split them at the line.
Outsider Rough Night ran very well to be third, a further length behind.
"We only got him a few days ago. We didn't really know much about him, but Tony (Mullins) had him entered here so we said we'd bring him down anyway and see how we'd get on," said Miss Holden.
"He was second here the last day, so he seems to kinda like this place. Rachael gave him great ride, she is on fire at the moment, there is no stopping her.
"We will see how he comes out of this race before making a plan. We might look for something in three weeks' time."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Schmidt trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(DM & EM)
