Vision D'ete leads Azua Emery over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Vision D'ete made light work of testing conditions at Cork, as he came home a comfortable winner of opener, the Galtee 3yo Maiden Hurdle.
Fourth on his debut over flights, the Noel Meade trained bay filled the runner-up spot on his most recent effort at Down Royal in September.
Sent off a 3/1 chance this afternoon, he was settled behind the leaders by Sean Flanagan. He took closer order down the back straight, and was left in the lead on the approach to three out, after the leader Lady In Lavender ran off the course.
The winner was pressed by Azua Emery at the second last, but he pulled out more when shaken-up on the run-in, going on to score easily by five lengths.
The aforementioned Azua Emery, who was returned the 5/2 favourite, finished second under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott, while Elliott also supplied the third horse home, and that was 7/2 chance Pete So High with Denis O'Regan in the saddle.
The winning rider said afterwards: "It's very, very testing but I did think he'd handle the ground as he is very hardy and ran on heavy here two runs ago.
"He has improved, travelled and jumped great. Noel owns him and I'd imagine he'll be for sale."
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.E. Mullins, rider of Ingleby Mackenzie (GB) trained by Eoin Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tired.
D.E. Splaine, rider of Still Alive (GB) trained by A.J. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stumbled badly.
A. Ring, rider of Lady In Lavender trained by John J. Walsh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that the bit came through her mouth,hung bad and ran off the track.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
