Theemeraldempress reigns supreme for Cromwell Theemeraldempress (11/2) recorded a debut success in what appeared to be a strong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Navan over two miles. Second in a Loughanmore point-to-point, she was purchased by the Cromwell team for £70,000 at the Aintree sale and won encouragingly in a Downpatrick bumper on her stable debut. From the family of Faugheen, this Walk In The Park mare was always in touch with the leaders, and she started to make her challenge before two out under Keith Donoghue. This four-year-old is owned by McGuire, Oak Lodge Farm, King and Dillon. She jumped the last in front before keeping on well under hands and heels to beat Royale Walk (13/2) by a length. Hot favourite La Valserine (5/6) travelled strongly but jumped clumsily and was a further two and a half lengths back in third. Gavin Cromwell said: "Simple filly at home and we didn't know what to expect coming here. "It was a good performance there. She did everything well - she travelled well and stayed going well. "She was well recommended by Sean Doyle, in fairness. I bought her in Aintree, and she wasn't a very expensive one. He was strongly recommending her and he was right. "She has gears and she stays well; she stayed well up the hill. "Absolutely (could go out in trip) and she is nice to look forward to for the season. "We'll enjoy today and see where it brings us. Yes, I think so (could be one for festivals further down the line)." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
