Like An Ocean a shock 40/1 winner of incident packed race Adrian Sexton's newcomer Like An Ocean was a shock 40/1 winner of Division ll of the Shanagher Hearing Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon. Pushed along in fourth entering the straight with three to jump, the MEB Equine Syndicate owned filly looked booked for minor honours at best. However, the whole complexion of the race changed at the third last, as the loose horse virtually brought the strong travelling leader Manoir De Mirande to a standstill. World As One was briefly left in front after that flight but was soon headed. Like An Ocean went on from Minella Moon Shine. Carrig Padraig came through from out of the chasing pack to emerge as a danger on the run to the last but the Gavin Cromwell trained seven-year-old fell at that obstacle. To her credit, Like An Ocean found plenty on the run-in, holding the determined challenge of Minella Moon Shine by a neck. Winning rider Harry Sexton said: “We thought she had ability, we trained the half-sister and she won a maiden hurdle as well. “I thought she’d probably learn a lot today. “I suppose a couple of things fell right for her, it was a messy race but she still had to be very gutsy to go out and beat horses with more experience. I think that was the impressive part and we’re delighted with her. “For a mare running her first ever race on the track to be that straightforward and not bat an eyelid, I think, was a great sign. Hopefully there are nice things to come in the future with her.” Quotes by Gary Carson.
