Curragh trainer John Oxx and rider Fran Berry made Irish racing history when their filly Brocheta (3/1-4/1) landed the first flat race run at the new Limerick this afternoon. Before a sparse attendance the Tom Wilson-owned filly held the luckless favourite Major Title by a rapidly diminishing half-a-length, prompting the smiling Oxx to remark: "My father trained the first flat winner (Arctic Soverign) at Fairyhouse in the late 60s and it's nice to train the first one here. This filly is tough and we'll find a nice little handicap somewhere."
Later the Oxx/Berry alliance completed a 34/1 double when top-weight Khaisara, defied top-weight at odds of 6/1. Afterwards, Oxx said of the Aga Khan-owned filly: "I wasn't optimistic beforehand as I thought she had a bit too much weight. She'll go for more handicaps."
Dermot Weld was fulsome with praise for the new track after he saddled Mr Andrea to record a bold pillar to post victory in the hands of Pat Smullen. The Rosewell House maestro summed up: "He's a genuine tough colt and as he's Italian owned the Italian Derby is a possibility. This is my first visit and I'm very impressed. The track will take a bit of time but great credit is due to the people of Limerick."
Rathkenny, trained by permit holder Liam O'Brien, justified good support in the ring when winning the Adare Novice Hurdle to initiate a double for John Cullen. Cullen finished the day with a double when teaming up with 8/1 shot Husdale in the Shannon Handicap Hurdle.
Danny Grant recorded his first win of the season when he teamed up with Pat Flynn's Right Job to defy top-weight in the West Handicap while Barry Cash aboard Prince Of Pleasure jumped well to win the two mile four furlong handicap chase.
Filed by Shane Murray
