Barnacullia sprang a bit of a surprise to win the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at odds of 14/1.

There was plenty of pace on early and Jordan Gainford took his time aboard the winner. The Ocavango gelding improved after three out and headed the 4/6 favourite Trebizond between the final two flights.

On the run-in the winner went right away to beat the market leader by an emphatic seven lengths with Boom Boom Boom in third.

Barnacullia was a good fourth in a big field at Punchestown back in May before finishing towards the rear in a handicap at Ballinrobe last month.

Winning trainre Michael Mulvany said: “We were a bit disappointed the last day with him but he blew up and that’s why we brought him back a bit in trip. He’s a big horse and he’s only coming to himself. He should make a lovely chaser.

“The plan is to go for the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel. We were aiming Buzz Light at it as well, who the lads (the Clearys Syndicate) also own, but he’s having problems.”

The stable won the Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle with On The Go Again in 2017.

Quotes from Alan Magee