The Listed Martin Molony Stakes was the main draw at Limerick tonight, with the meeting attracting a crowd of 2,000 racegoers, although the seven race Flat card can hardly have drawn many of the local jumping enthusiasts.
The race itself was won by John Oxx's Mkuzi, who benefited from another fine Michael Kinane ride. The 108 rated son of Halling raced in second throughout before hitting the front entering the straight, eventually scoring a three length success.
Oxx's other runner, Tarakala (7/4 favourite) finished second although she was subsequently demoted to third, having caused interference to the Ivowen. Tarakala's jockey Cathy Gannon received a four day ban following the incident.
Jockey Pat Smullen rode three winners on the night, partnering two winners (Alexander Icequeen and Lisieux Orchid) for his boss Dermot Weld.
Alexander Icequeen won the opening seven furlong maiden. The winner arrived late to lead well inside the final furlong, with trainer Dermot Weld described his winning newcomer as having 'won that nicely under a very nice Pat Smullen ride.'
Smullen partnered Somethingforsunday to win the 1m3f handicap for trainer Irene Oakes before landing the concluding 1m4f maiden on Lisieux Orchid, who got the better of Dazzling Dancer in a tight battle.
Lucayan Star, well beaten in an average race at Killarney on her only previous outing, raced widest in the straight before accelerating sufficiently to win the mile maiden, eventually holding Cils by a length and a half.
Cathy Gannon, out of luck when receiving a suspension in the feature event, earlier experienced better luck when recorded her eleventh winner of the current campaign on Con Collins' Signora Rossa in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.
A delighted Tracey Collins (daughter of the winning trainer) later reported 'the horses are in fine form and this filly deserved a win.' However, she added 'Signora Rossa is a bit moody but met her match in Cathy Gannon! She gave it a super ride. It was Cathy's first winning ride for us and may be the first of many.'
The Nash Beverages Handicap provided a surprise winner when 20/1 shot Blackhall Claw finished well to head Saradar close home under local apprentice Billy Lee.
