Benefit proves too good for Exxaro

Supreme Benefit sprang a bit of surprise in the opener at Clonmel, the BBQ Evening At Clonmel Races Maiden Hurdle, as she got the better of the odds-on favourite Exxaro

The Eoin Doyle trained victor was third in two maidens last year but finished a well-beaten sixth on her last start over the course in October.

Dropped back to two miles today she was sent off a 10/1 chance under Adam O'Neill (first winner since January).

Settled behind the leaders she was third with a circuit to race. She improved to lead as they entered the straight and despite hanging left on the run-in she held on to win by half a length.

Exxaro was sent off the 8/15 favourite and he looked in trouble entering the straight. He did however stay on well for pressure and finished second under Paul Townend for Henry De Bromhead. Deputy Marshall (16/1) completed the placings a further two lengths back in third under Andrew Lynch for Peter Fahey. The front three were sixteen lengths clear of the fourth.

Eoin Doyle said of his Padraig Barry owned nine-year-old: "We have been waiting along time for that. She had some good form last year but had a lot of trouble with her shins.

"I thought she would need the run this evening as she hadn't run since October.

"She jumps well and has good point-to-point experience and she just idled a bit in front.

"Hopefully we can get another day out of her maybe at Tramore at August."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee