A WIDE margin demolition of her rivals in a Galway maiden on her recent debut marked her out as a filly of some potential and Brooch delivered on that initial promise by taking the Listed Vincent O’Brien Ruby Stakes for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen.

The once raced daughter of Empire Maker faced a more searching test as she ventured into listed level but she was still returned a strong 8/11 favourite. Brooch was angled out to deliver her challenge entering the last quarter of a mile. She had work to do from about fifth position but from the furlong pole to the line Brooch finished out her race strongly. She was firmly in control at the finish where she had a length to spare over Akira with Colour Blue securing third.

“That was a big step up taking on tough and experienced older horses,” commented Kris Weld for his father Dermot. “She’s a fine, big filly and is only just starting to fill out and she should make a very nice four-year-old but whether she runs again this season we’ll see. Dad will speak to Lord Grimthorpe.”

Earlier Weld and Smullen were on the mark courtesy of another Khalid Abdullah-owned runner in Postulation in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. However, the 1/3 favourite was given quite a fright as he looked to build on his second to Jamaica at Galway.

The Ballydoyle newcomer Archangel Raphael was pressing the market leader as the last furlong loomed and soon edged ahead but a rallying Postulation got back on top in the closing stages, prevailing by a neck.

“He came here off two good runs and appreciated stepping up to the extended mile and he battled well too,” remarked Kris Weld of the Khalid Abdullah-owned colt. “He’s next run could be in the mile nursery at Listowel.”

After Australia’s heroics at York Aidan and Joseph O’Brien made the trip back to Killarney a worthwhile one as Red Rocks Points claimed the 11 furlongs Ladbrokes-sponsored conditions race to cap a memorable day. The very capable 105-rated Fastnet Rock colt had upwards of 8lb to spare over his four rivals on official figures and was looking to make it three wins from four starts.

The 4/7 favourite made his challenge entering the last quarter of a mile and he drew away from the front-running Long Journey Home over the course of the final furlong. Red Rocks Point finished with two lengths to spare over Zafayan.

“He has plenty of ability and riding him that way and taking your time seems to suit him well. He was rated to win and he’ll step up to stakes company now,” reflected the winning trainer.

Earlier Seamus Heffernan arrived back from York with just minutes to spare to take the winning ride on Tahaf (5/1) in the Diarmuid Cronin Electrical Handicap. The Denis Hogan inmate produced a nice display from the front and asserted in fine style to shake off the attentions of Longfield Lad early in the last furlong. The Kevin McConnell-owned gelding succeeded by a length and three quarters to add this race to his Bellewstown triumph last month and he could well be placed to further advantage on the flat.

“Seamie is the key to this horse and gave him a super ride,” stated Hogan. “He’ll make a nice hurdler. The ground was just too deep for him when we tried him over hurdles during the winter and I imagine that he will go jumping again shortly.”

Johnny Levins is hoping that there is still more to come from Miller Beach (6/1) who added the Clifford Goundcare Limited Handicap to his victory at Naas earlier in the month. The improving four-year-old, who is due to turn out again at the Curragh this afternoon, was produced by Gary Carroll to lead inside the distance and succeed by half a length. Amazing Star came with a whirlwind finish to secure second having been only seventh with a furlong to run.

“He’s a progressive handicapper and is still quite lightly raced,” stated Levins who trains the winner for Seamus Mannion. “At the Curragh we’ll take the mandatory penalty off him with Donagh (O’Connor). He is in the English Cambridgeshire and if he keeps progressing and creeping up the weights that’s something we have at the back of our minds.”

Another that could bid for a quick follow up at the Curragh this afternoon is Shalaman (7/1) as he enjoyed a leisurely success in the 11 furlongs handicap. On his debut for trainer Matthew Smith, the five-year-old was making up for his somewhat unlucky second in the corresponding race last year. Shalaman was going notably well for Leigh Roche passing the two-furlong marker and only needed to be shaken up to account for Solar Focus.

“He did it well. I don’t have him that long so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” reported Smith.

The consistent Henson, who had finished in the first four on all seven of his starts coming in this race, opened his account in the Mosscontrol.ie Apprentice Maiden. The 6/4 favourite made virtually all the running under Connor King and over the last couple of furlongs he comfortably contained the effort of the newcomer Salariaq to prevail by three lengths.

“Finally! He deserved that and I’d probably been running him over trips that were too short,” reported David Marnane, whose charge carries the colours of Stephen Bennett. “He’s well suited by a good, galloping track and the long straight suited. He would suit some of the jumping boys so maybe we will move him on at the end of the year.”