First-time blinkers see Connemara Shore off the mark under Rules The application of first-time blinkers saw former point-to-point winner Connemara Shore make the breakthrough under Rules in the Botanica International Handicap Chase at Wexford. Third over hurdles at Naas earlier this month, the Robert Tyner trained mare reverted to fences here with Darragh O'Keeffe in the plate. Tracking the leaders throughout, the Maghtera Syndicate owned six-year-old went second after three out, before heading leader Long Road two out. Strongly pressed by Spanish Maid on the run to the last, Connemara Rose asserted close home to win by two-and-three quarter lengths. Robert Tyner said: "Phillip Enright had a lot of work done with her. We put cheekpieces on her the last day and she travelled better. "She unseated at Navan one day and she just doesn't watch what she is doing, she is very genuine but is too busy watching everyone else's business. "Phillip rang me during the week about putting blinkers on her. She travelled everywhere today and the blinkers done there job. It's just a pity Phillip wasn't here today but he had to go to the north. "Fair play to her owners, I told them to stick with her, that she just needed time. "She wouldn't be a fast mare and probably needs that type of ground. We might try a long distance hurdle with her, she has a similar rating over hurdles." Additional reporting by Donal Murphy.
