Rolanna and Adam Short pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Rolanna got off the mark on her seventh try over flights, as she took the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle under Adam Short for Co Wexford trainer Willie Martin.
Successful on her most recent outing on the level at Clonmel in May, the daughter of Strategic Prince was sent off at 8/1 today in the colours of the Kelly Cloney Partnership .
Settled behind the leaders, the six-year-old victor improved to lead before three out, and was ridden clear from the next, keeping on well on the run-in to see off Paris Texas by three lengths.
The runner-up was returned at 5/1 under Shane Shortall for Joseph O'Brien, while 7/2 chance Percy Veer was sixteen lengths back in third.
The 5/4 favourite Uncle Henry crashed out at the second last when struggling in third.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed L.P. Gilligan, rider of Rock On Aussie, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that L.P. Gilligan was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g) in that he had used his whip with the arm above shoulder height and Regulation 10.3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into account, the Stewards suspended L.P. Gilligan for 3 race days.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Fethard Flyer trained by W. F. Treacy was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
