Green light for Cork

This afternoon's meeting at Cork goes ahead after passing an early-morning inspection.

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Following significant rain on Friday night, the Mallow circuit was unraceable at noon on Saturday and Irish Turf Club officials decided to check on conditions again this morning.

Although the round course has improved sufficiently for racing to go ahead, the sprint track remains unfit and the card has been reduced from eight to seven races.

Explaining the changes, Turf Club press officer Cliff Noone said: "Racing goes ahead.

"The round course is fit for racing, but the sprint track is unfit for racing.

"As a result, they have cancelled the five-furlong race (Mallow Apprentice Handicap) and the two six-furlong races will be moved from the sprint course to the round course.

"There are now seven races rather than eight and the first race has gone forward half an hour and is due off at 2.25pm.

"The ground is soft to heavy."

Dermot Weld's Sapphire produced an exhilarating display in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes.

Second to Izzi Top in the Group One Pretty Polly on her last start, she was far too good for her rivals in this Group Three event.

She sprinted clear under Pat Smullen and those who took the 1-7 price never had to worry as she beat Demurely by seven and a half lengths.

"That is a nice double. She is the first mare to win both the Noblesse Stakes and the Give Thanks Stakes," said Weld.

"She was very impressive and very good. She is a lovely big staying mare and there is lots to look forward to with her.

"The Irish St Leger is next up and we will take it from there. She is a stayer with speed and she is a very adaptable mare. She is a big galloping mare and I think she will get the trip at her ease.

"She is only getting going now and she will be kept in training next year.

"She will be entered in the Melbourne Cup, I'm not saying she will run in it but she will be entered."