Banna Boirche records first turf success

Dundalk specialist Banna Boirche recorded his first turf success as he took the Fairyhouse Sunday Market Race, for the in-form team of Mick Halford and Shane Foley.

The Paul Rooney owned seven-year-old son of Lucky Owners had eight wins to his name before this evening, with all his successes coming at the Co Louth all-weather venue.

Without a win in twelve starts, he was sent off at 9/2 (opened at 11/2 on-course) and he made virtually all to score by a comfortable two lengths at the line. Royal Blue Star ran his best race for a while to finished second at 14/1 under Charlie Elliott for Jessica Harrington while Tennessee Wildcat was a further length back in third at 9/1 under Gary Carroll for Ger Lyons. Mooqtar was 7/2 this morning with Paddy Power and he was heavily backed on-course from 5/2 into 13/8 clear favourite at the off.

The Kevin Prendergast trained colt never looked like winning and finished a disappointing eighth under Chris Hayes.

Mick Halford said afterwards: "He has been a great servant and I always believed that he'd win a race on grass.

"He was second in this race last year. Paul (winning owner, who is from Castlewellan, Co Down) is a great supporter of mine and this is his favourite horse.

"We will probably look at one of the big handicaps at the Curragh for him now on Derby weekend."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee