JOHN OXX is seldom represented at Ballinrobe, but he seems to have found an ideal opportunity there this evening for the Sadler's Wells filly, Moonfire, to boost her paddock value by taking the Summer Maiden.

Unraced at two, Moonfire was slowly into her stride on her debut at the Curragh in June, and although finishing in midfield, was over 20 lengths behind the winner, Kimu. An additional half mile at Killarney last week - allowed her to display her stamina and she did extremely well against the older Space Trucker, going down by only half a length.

Paddy Mullins saddles both the useful hurdler, Talina's Law, and Taoibhin, who has figured prominently in good bumpers, and they should ensure that Moonfire has to battle all the way.

Another well bred filly seeking that all important first success is Shunaire, who contests the Westport Maiden. By Woodman, she came up against an above average newcomer in Charlock at Gowran on her last start, but of this field only the Naas third, Patience Of Angels, seems a real danger.

Sandra Louise, who missed her engagement at Kilbeggan on Friday, now bids for the four runner West Handicap Hurdle. She made much of the running at Bellewstown on her last start, only surrendering the lead after the last. She may have the beating of the penalised Legitman.

Charlie Swan, who partners Sandra Louise, may complete a double by taking the Corrib Spring Water Handicap Chase on Jazzy Refrain, an easy winner at Killarney in May.

Genuine John, judged on his second to Life Support at Gowran, might have the beating of Libros, who ran below expectations when made favourite at Bellewstown.

. Football and racing history were made simultaneously at Musselburgh yesterday with a hat trick of victories by horses whose connections are all former soccer internationals.

Mick Channon, Francis Lee and Kevin Keegan, who between them represented England on 136 occasions, were all directly involved in turn with the successes of Victoria's Secret, Encore M'Lady and Bride's Reprisal respectively, winner of the first three races on the card.

"This must be a first, three ex soccer players being associated with different winning horses on the same card," said a jubilant Keegan after 8 to 13 chance Bride's Reprisal, also bred by his wife, had bolted home three lengths clear of Under Pressure in the McEwan's Classic Nursery.

Bride's Reprisal was the middle leg of an 8 to 1 plus treble for Scots born jockey Richard Quinn his first three timer north of the border.

Channon had earlier sent out Victoria's Secret, partnered by Quinn, to win the Gillespie's Malt Stout Maiden Handicap and finally break her duck at the 21st attempt.

Manchester City chairman Lee netted only his second winner of 1996 - both with the same mare - when Encore M'Lady under a powerful ride from Joe Fanning, stormed ahead in the closing stages of the McEwan's 80/- Limited Stakes to score by half a length from dead heaters Don Pepe and Shontaine.

However Encore M'Lady had to survive a stewards' inquiry after bumping.