Thurles now soft to heavy

The Curragh's opener was the 1xBet.ie Supports Safe Gambling Fillies Maiden over six furlongs and it went to newcomer Opalite (8/1, from 14s before the off) for father and son Andy and Andrew Slattery.

I'm from just outside Mullingar in Co Westmeath and I grew up around horses. Dad (trainer Robbie Burns) always had horses at home, so I was definitely born into the game. I would have always had a pony growing up and then I started riding the racehorses out around 10 or 11. I moved into pony racing around 14. I always wanted to be a jockey, that was always what was in my head. I had two good years pony racing that included a four-timer one day in Ardee. Pony racing was definitely a big help before I went to the track. It definitely sharpens your skills for the racetrack. I rode a good bit for Shane Crabbe, he got me started with my first winner pony racing. Then I rode for Mary and Jimmy Brady, and plenty of others. I was champion lady rider in 2023 and 2024. That initial pony racing experience gives you a buzz to keep going and you just want to get out onto the racecourse proper and onto bigger things.

Racegoers at the Curragh today will be treated to the sight of the current ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas Albert Einstein in the 1xBet.ie Supports Irish Racing Gladness Stakes (3.05pm).