Cork collects in style in Clonmel opener City Of Cork quickened away smartly to open his account in fine style at Clonmel this afternoon. The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding had been well held in three runs last season but left that form behind on his return to action. JJ Slevin settled the well-backed 5/1 shot behind the leaders in the early stages of the two-mile-one contest before taking closer order turning for home. His mount disputed over the last flight, with World As One, and despite snatching a bit at that obstacle he soon asserted for a cosy four length success. The winner is out of a full-sister to the yard’s star staying hurdler Home By The Lee. "He ran a lovely race the first day at Navan, when he was a little keen, and then had a few goodish bumper runs,” said Slevin. “He had good ground and a good pace today, which helped, as I wanted to get him to relax and jump. "We were rattling down to the last where he made a mistake, but that was understandable as he had never raced that fast over a jump. It was a good performance. "His dam is a sister to Home By The Lee and that mare was good as well, but unfortunately got hurt. Sean (O'Driscoll) has been a lucky owner and hopefully he'll have more luck with this one." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
