Bearly provides Thornton with first Irish win

After putting in three decent efforts over hurdles to date, Bearly Legal got it right on his fourth start as took the opening race at Limerick this evening, the Ladies Day 14th October Maiden Hurdle.

Trained in Skerries, Co Dublin by Karl Thornton, the 5yo son of Court Cave won his point-to-point on his eighth attempt at Tinahely in January.

He then ran three times in maiden hurdles, finishing third on his first start and fourth on his last two efforts.

Last time out he finished just over two lengths behind The Folkes Choice over the course earlier this month.

Sent off at 5/1 this evening, under seven pound claiming amateur John Barry, he tracked the leaders early on and was ridden into fifth before the straight.

He closed from before the last and stayed on best on the run-in to lead near the line before going on to win by a length.

The 9/4 second favourite, Uponthe Hoof hit the front before the second last under Barry Geraghty but he hung left on the run-in and that certainly didn't help his cause and he had to settle for second.

The Michael Moran trained Hello Louie ran well to take third a further length and a half back under Mick Darcy at 14/1 while the 2/1 favourite Peking To Paris could only manage sixth under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.

Winning trainer Karl Thornton said afterwards: "I only took over the licence from my father Sean at Christmas time and that is my first winner in Ireland.

"We had a winner a in Southwell recently (Father Shine, July 15th).

"This fellow will probably go for a novice hurdle next and then have a break.

"He is immature and you probably won’t see the best of him until he goes over fences."

(On-course reporting by Thomas Weekes)