Found A Diamond provides Markey with first success A native of Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, Shane Markey registered his first career success on Found A Diamond in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. Available at 13/8 in early shows for this 11-runner contest, the Ross O'Sullivan-trained five-year-old came in for strong market support and was eventually returned the clear favourite at 5/6. Racing mainly in second, the Tommy Ward-owned victor lost his place from four out and was short of room on the approach to the straight. Improving again into second before two out, he came with his challenge approaching the last and had a good scrap with Rebel Budz on the run-in, keeping on best close home to prevail by a length-and-a-half. The runner-up was the second choice of punters at 3/1, with Darragh O'Keeffe aboard this Paul O'Flynn-trained six-year-old. A first runner under National Hunt rules for Natalia Lupini, Chisum (9/1) was another six-and-a-half lengths back in third. "It is great for Shane as he initially came to us from RACE and is back with us the last year. He is a right young fella, is a great worker in the yard and had a few near misses so it is lovely to give him his first winner," O'Sullivan reflected. "Shane deserves this and it was very good of Tommy Ward to give him the ride. He is a grand consistent horse and stepping up in trip made all the difference today." Markey added: "I'm with Ross full-time although try to get down to Enda Bolger's on Mondays, where I do loads of schooling. I've come from the Flat so that schooling has been a great help to me. "At Cork the last day, I was further back on this horse than I would have ideally wanted and he didn't carry me, so we thought stepping up in trip would suit. There is a strong wind blowing today but he was comfortable everywhere and did things easily. "I'm 21, from Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan and previously also worked for Anthony McCann. It would be great to get more outside rides now." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Cant Touch This trained by Thomas Gibney had blood at both nostrils post race. * P.K. Donovan, rider of Barnahash Mason, trained by Jonathan Sweeney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very green and jumped novicey. * J. Smith, rider of Cant Touch This, trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
