Inis Meain books Royal Ascot place

The Denis Hogan-trained Inis Meain, bought by Barry Connell as a hurdler, booked his ticket to Royal Ascot when landing the listed Martin Molony Stakes, feature of yesterday’s action in Limerick.

Six-year-old Inis Meain, runner-up to Group 1 winner Parish Hall last time, was unable to adopt his customary front-running tactics as the keen An Saincheann soon took the lead and forced the pace.

This allowed Danny Mullins, on Inis Meain, to take a lead before challenging off the home turn and forging clear to beat Missunited by more than four lengths, giving his owner, trainer and rider their first listed success.