Pleasure proves tough in mares maiden Wicked Pleasure stayed on strongly in the closing stages to claim the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel for Henry de Bromhead. The daughter of Harzand was placed in two bumpers and was making her second outing over timber today, having been fourth in Roscommon late last month. She tracked market rival Red Acres Georgie in the two-and-a-half mile contest before joining the 5/4 favourite over the second last flight. Mike O’Connor sent the 15/8 shot to the front on the run-in and she asserted for a three-and-a-half length win. "I’m delighted with that. She had a couple of nice runs in bumpers and she’s really improved for hurdles,” said the winning trainer. “She was a bit babyish the first day in Roscommon but she really stepped forward today and looked much more professional. "She was tough today. The other mare really stayed at it and our lady really toughed it out. We hoped she’d run well today, we knew she had improved for Roscommon. I think she could up in trip. "It’s great for Mike, he’s a great man to have on our side. He’s a big team player so I’m delighted for him." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
