Benson off the mark on Hope

Danny Benson (16) from Dunshauglin in County Meath, rode his first winner when getting Kardlys Hope home by two lengths in the opening Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap at Cork.

The 86 time winning pony race rider got to the front over a furlong out on the successful daughter of Fath and she was never going to be caught thereafter as she raced on to beat Johnstown Lad (reappearing under a mandatory 5Ib penalty for winning at Dundalk last night).

Wife and daughter of winning trainer Jarlath, Suzanne and Ciara Fahey were in attendance and the latter said: "We knew she was in very good form and she has been banging on the door all year. That was Danny's first ride for us and he gave her a peach, riding to instructions.

"Jarlath is gone to the North with 3 runners and he'll be delighted."

Benson is based with Ger Lyons and it has been a time of firsts for winning connections as Ciara Fahey rode her first winner when Lea Lady scored at Tramore last week.

Winning owner Seamus Finucane also bred the four-year-old and he is from Naas. Kardyls Hope will stay in her own grade for the moment before competing in some of the better sprint handicaps next term.