Bayrann steps forward to open account

Bayrann quickened away in good style to land the spoils in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Thurles. Zoomtime cut out the running but looked a sitting duck when Tim Doyle's charge loomed up after the second last.

David Doyle sent his mount to the front running down to the last and the Valirann gelding was asked to assert on the run-in to post a three-and-a-half length success.

The 3/1 winner had been knocking on the door and was third on his last outing at Punchestown.

Doyle senior said afterwards:- “He is progressing, every run is better and he is getting the hang of it.

“He is hard work before his races as he is mad to get on with it but once he is off and galloping, he knows what to do. Valiranns are like that but they have engines.

"He will be a lovely horse and will be better over a fence. He has plenty pace, jumps well and I'd say he will go on any ground.

“He has the right attitude and tries his heart out. We'll go down the handicap route now and if he can stay on the same mark (106), we'll be happy!"

Even-money favourite Magic Day could only finish third.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)