Staples loses claim as Kate completes double for Hogan Cousin Kate (11/10 favourite) is a very progressive performer and made it three wins from seven starts when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle at Cork. A winner of a similar contest at Limerick on St Stephen's Day, the Liam Mulryan-owned daughter of Maxios was put 8lb for that success but Eoin Staples' claim was utilised to negate most of that rise and she proved far too good for her six rivals.  Having tracked the leaders, the winner moved up to dispute four out and went on after the next before readily going clear to account for Catchabird by six lengths. After Tatateo in the second, Cousin Kate completed a double on the afternoon for absent trainer Denis Hogan. It was a landmark victory for the winning rider as his claim will now be reduced to 5lb after this 25th win of his career. “It’s a bittersweet moment as you are trying to hold onto the 7lb claim for as long as you can," said Staples. "I've had an unbelievable start to my professional career. The support that I’ve got from various trainers, and my agent Garry Cribbin has done an unbelievable job.  “Denis’ horses are absolutely flying. She won easily at Limerick over Christmas, didn’t have a hard race and has bounced back. She was arguably better than ever today and it’s a credit to Denis. "She quickened from the third-last after going an even gallop. I was quite taken with her today.”  Additional reporting by Alan Magee
