Alterno scores despite greenness on debut

Alterno overcame greenness to make a winning debut in the opening juvenile maiden hurdle at Wexford this afternoon.

Mikey Fogarty did the steering on the Des McDonogh-trained newcomer, who carried the colours of Jackie Bolger.

The 9/4 shot hit the lead turning for home but was soon tackled by Tagg's Island 0AAlterno ran around approaching the second last and wasn't fluent at the flight. The Fastnet Rock gelding was again wayward, and bumped his rival, before the last.

He kept on well on the run-in, however, to record a length-and-three-quarters victory. The result stood after a stewards enquiry. Shamash sent off the 11/8 favourite, finished back in fifth.

"He just ran a bit green over the last couple when he faced the crowd. He probably needed something to bring him a bit further. I think that is the sires first hurdle win,” said McDonogh.

"He is a grand horse, it was his first time racing and he will come on leaps and bounds for that.

“He was well-tutored as you can imagine. He will hurdle away to beginning with anyway."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)