Front-running tactics again proved fruitful at Thurles this afternoon as Quarryvale made all for an impressive success in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Nicky O'Shea 's mount put in a sound round of jumping, and drew clear entering the straight to beat Congenial Gent by a very easy 12 lengths, with the well-backed 7/2 favourite Guts For Garters a further seven lengths back in third.
“That was well overdue. She's been consistent and won two point-to-points, and will go for something similar again next time,” said trainer Jimmy Mangan.
He added: “That's the first winner Nicky has ridden for me, as my son Patrick is stood down with concussion at the moment after a fall in the Beecher Chase at Aintree last Sunday. Hopefully he will pass a concussion test tomorrow.”
The two fences approaching the straight (fourth and third last) were omitted in this race due to the low-lying sun.
